Skype Business Model
Skype's business model is a good example of a Freemium business model. Everyone can use the basic service (calling other Skype users) for free. With zero barriers to entry, Skype's user base has been growing constantly. Although most Skype users stick to the basic free-of-charge service, a minority of users pay for premium services (calling users outside the Skype network). The number of these premium users is large enough to make Skype profitable.
Re-thinking Skype's Business Model -
Re-thinking Skype's business model - thoroughly researche Telco2.net blog post (2008)
Why eBay is Buying Skype -
Why eBay is Buying Skype; a BusinessWeek article by Rob Hof (2005)
What should be Skype's business model? I sort through the visions -
What should be Skype's business model? A ZDNet.com blog post by Russell Shaw (2005)
Turning Phone Numbers On The Web Into Paid Ads - a TechCrunch article -
A New Business Model For Skype: Turning Phone Numbers On The Web Into Paid Ads - a TechCrunch article; by
Eric Schonfeld (2009)
Skype Redefines Itself: It’s All About Local -
Skype Redefines Itself: It’s All About Local an article by
Mike Boland, Kelsey Group (2009)
Skype Business Model Revealed at eBay Analyst Event -
Skype Business Model Revealed at eBay Analyst Event, an article by
Jim Courtney, Voice on the Web (2009)
eBay corporate information
eBay reports and statistics - eBay's company reports on the eBay corporate site
eBay's official press releases - eBay's
press releases
eBay UK Facts & figures - eBay's own company overview pages on its corporate site
eBay's acquisitions and countries of operation - the companies eBay acquired and the list of countries eBay operates in
Other Successful Web-based Business Models
Amazon's Business Model - Amazon's Business Model
Craigslist Business Model - Craigslist Business Model
eBay's Business Model - eBay's Business Model
Google's Business Model - Google's Business Model
Microsoft's Business Model - Microsoft's Business Model
Yahoo Business Model - Yahoo Business Model
