All free users of Skype will be off- loaded very soon after this takeover. What may the possible ramifications for the over 700 Million users worldwide? They are going to be hit really hard.
Version 5.3 may be the very last version under the TM Skype. People in R&D for MS will certainly add new features to the software and increase the flexibility and functionalities to be compliant and compatible with all other online systems and launch a very completely new version of Skype with the MS Trade Mark. This opens the way for MS to charge for the usage of the software. Definitely the new product will not be free and everyone is aware to what extent MS can squeeze as annual license fees.
Who will be the hardest hit?
• Students / Parents living abroad
• Teachers who provide online programs
• Relatives who need to be kept in contact with families
• Those who conduct online interviews
• Training programs
• General communications
• Chats and blogs
• Others not covered above
With this takeover, MS may retain an estimated 30-40 % of the former Skype paying customer base and others former users may pay based on usage. Skype was reportedly making a loss when it wanted to raise funds. The present version will gradually die a slow death and will be unusable. You can leave it to Bill Gates and his Computer Geeks to figure out a way to ensure that users will get disgusted after programming it so that all sorts of error messages appear on your screen.
Look out for messages such as these:
If you are experiencing difficulties using this version please report this to our online HELPDESK!
You are using an outdated version of Skype. Please purchase the updated version. Please visit our MS site and obtain the Communicator Version 7.0 or ebay.
This software you are using may be a fake version. Please contact our Hotline and report any abuse.
This version is not compatible with MS Windows or any of the former releases.