eBay has announced its acquisition of a prominent voice communications firm in what could be a potential boon to many small traders on the auction giant’s web site.
The $2.6 billion deal for Skype Technologies is expected to enhance eBay’s current businesses in online auctions, classified listings, shopping sites and electronic payments.
Skype has recently developed a voice-over IP application that allows users to download software and make free calls using their computers. It also offers a paid service for making calls between computers and standard telephone lines.
The new technology would allow eBay traders to communicate with their customers, and vice versa, which eBay hopes will allow sellers to build relationships with buyers and close sales more quickly.
The firm said it believes that Skype’s technology can help increase the velocity of trade on eBay, particularly in categories like used cars, business and industrial equipment and high-end collectibles, which require more involved communication between buyer and seller.
“Communications is at the heart of e-commerce and community,” said Meg Whitman, president and chief executive officer of eBay.
“By combining the two leading e-commerce franchises, eBay and PayPal, with the leader in internet voice communications, we will create an extraordinarily powerful environment for business on the net.”
“We’re great admirers of how eBay and PayPal have simplified global e-commerce and payments, said Janus Friis, co-founder of Skype.
“Together we feel we can really change the way that people communicate, shop and do business online.”
