EBay's Skype Buy: A Plus for the Enterprise?

Ebay's plans for Skype aren't entirely clear. Skype's VoIP and IM services could improve communications among the buyers and sellers on eBay's auction site. EBay and Skype have the installed bases to create compelling new IP-based communications products, but the auction company isn't showing its hand yet. Google, Yahoo and Microsoft also are working on plans to incorporate voice and IP-based communications into their services.

Skype uses client PCs to route calls, and this approach makes it too risky for enterprises. But IP communications are about to take off in a big way, and the technology may offer compelling options for some business processes. Keep an open mind as to how your organization might take advantage of these technologies.