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I just learned that Microsoft has taken over Skype.

Will this affect the availability of Skype in the Canonical Partner repository?

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    If that happen don't worry The GNU Project has announced a new project called GNU Free Call, an open source Skype alternative planet.gnu.org/gnutelephony/?p=14 don't you think this is for a purpose ;)
    – Achu
    May 10, 2011 at 15:12
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    @Achu: Really? GNU Free Call would be great! :) Now we just need a GNU Flash :P
    – omnidan
    May 10, 2011 at 15:23
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    This is a bit quick to be worried about this. Skype is still its own company until the transaction goes through, and Canonical may keep the partnership with the Skype division. Also, Canonical may be contractually obligated to keep Skype in the partner repository for a certain number of years. May 10, 2011 at 15:43
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    @Achu: GNU Free Call.... SERIOUSLY? If Hurd is any example - this is a joke. What we need is something along the lines of LibreOffice (in terms of community, momentum, and dedication).
    – RolandiXor
    May 10, 2011 at 16:22
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    @aendruk I voted not a real question since any answer will be totally speculative. May 11, 2011 at 15:45

2 Answers 2

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According what I read, MS will still support Skype for non-Microsoft platforms. Skype not only runs on desktop OSes, but also on mobile OSes such as Android. So it would really be short-sighted of MS to stop supporting it on non-Microsoft platforms.

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    Agrred... buy I'd say MS has been short-sighted at times before :). Hope they aren't with Skype.
    – luri
    May 10, 2011 at 18:26
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    Furthermore, killing Skype for non-MS platforms reduces the value of Skype for users on MS platforms, since they can call less people. May 10, 2011 at 23:58
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    Note this response from the 'Microsoft Open Source Strategist' Steve Lamb: "It's too early to know plans re. Skype - the deal has to close before we can do anything" Jun 15, 2011 at 21:20
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Depends how partner'ish will it be with Canonical. If it belongs to Microsoft, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will cancel its previous partnerships.

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  • Does that mean Microsoft assumes the contract... and that Canonical will be a partner with Microsoft...?!? Jun 15, 2011 at 18:26
  • it's not the contract rather than being aware and tolerant to other platforms
    – psukys
    Nov 15, 2011 at 13:37

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