Skype may shut down

[Teflon Turbo]

http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=844226

I hope this doesn't effect "mynetfone" I hardly even have a phone bill these days.

[Tuddy200]

Originally Posted by Teflon Turbo

http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=844226

I hope this doesn't effect "mynetfone" I hardly even have a phone bill these days.

It shouldn't, unless I am missing something here?

[Perana]

MyNetFone is completely separate to Skype, the only similarity is that they both offer Voice over IP

[Buzz Box]

Skype may shut down as eBay battles founders
31/07/2009 1:00:00 PM

By Emma Thelwell, ninemsn Money

Skype could be shut down amid a legal battle that threatens to leave its parent company eBay with a massive court bill.

The internet telephony group, which has around 480 million users worldwide, is at the centre of a licensing dispute with Skype's founders.

Skype, which relies on key technology provided by third parties, has admitted it has been forced to develop alternative software in case it loses the right to use a code produced by Joltid.

eBay is suing Joltid - which is run by Skype's founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis – to stop them pulling the plug on the technology’s license.

According to Joltid, eBay does not have the legal rights to certain part of the code. If Skype loses, and if is unable to replace the technology, eBay said Skype would be "severely and adversely affected".

"Skype has begun to develop alternative software to that licensed through Joltid", eBay confirmed in its quarterly results.

"However, such software development may not be successful, may result in loss of functionality or customers even if successful, and will in any event be expensive."

The continued operation of Skype "as currently conducted would likely not be possible," eBay admitted.

While Skype has contracts in place with a string of third party providers of technology, there can be no guarantee that the terms will remain "on commercially reasonable terms," eBay said.

The case is due to reach the UK’s high court in 2010, coming as a massive blow to eBay's planned floatation of Skype which is also slated for next year.

eBay paid a staggering US$2.6 billion for Skype in 2005, later admitting it had massively overpaid for the innovative group - leading to write offs of $1.4 billion.

Man we use Skype ALL the time this would a pain but it sounds like it will prob survive but it won't be free for much longer.........

Oh well I suppose it was good while it lasted lol