eBay finds its voice in new tech order

"eBay has agreed to buy the fast-growing Internet start-up Skype in a move to add free Web telephone calls to its online auctions and fuel growth, the companies confirmed Monday."

More here.

eBay reckons this does not represent a diversion from its core business, but frankly speaking that's rubbish. They should simply admit they've put down a significant amount of cash for an industry leader outside of their current influence. If Google can make a play for the desktop and Amazon can get into search via A9, there's no reason eBay shouldn't stake a claim in net telephony.

[+] Tags: George Hopkin | Media | Internet