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October 2011 saw Microsoft enter into a US $ 8.5bn deal to acquire Skype . Marking a new business division in Microsoft , the acquisition was designed to focus on the two companies ’ shared ambition to connect all people across all devices and accelerate real-time communications . “ Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world . We look forward to working with the Skype team to create new ways for people to stay connected to family , friends , clients and colleagues — anytime , anywhere ,” commented Steve Ballmer , former CEO of Microsoft . businesschief . com