eBay UK is discontinuing Skype voice and chat buttons in listings as of June 10, 2009, in what the company calls an effort to remove features with limited buyer and seller usage. eBay had been ambivalent about the buttons from the beginning due to concerns over the potential for members to conduct off-eBay transactions.
Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, who is running for Governor of California, said yesterday on the campaign trail that eBay has "taken a lot of grief" for the Skype purchase. However, she still thinks it was a good move. eBay acquired the VoIP service in 2005 for $2.6 billion in up-front cash and eBay stock.
eBay's new CEO John Donahoe announced in April plans to spin off Skype beginning with an initial public offering (IPO) that is intended to be completed in the first half of 2010.
You may quote up to 50 words of any article on the condition that you attribute the article to
EcommerceBytes.com and either link to the original article or to www.EcommerceBytes.com. All other use is prohibited.
Have a question about buying or selling online? Want to get marketing or technical advice? AuctionBytes Discussion Forums are the place to come to get answers to your questions and get advice! Great tips - a refreshing change!