As the Microsoft/Skype deal finally came tofruition, it’s worth taking a look at how Skype went from being a Northern European startup to an $8bn global behemoth. In the beginning… Using software created by three Estonian Developers, Skype was launched as a company in 2003 by SwedeNiklas Zennströmand DaneJanus Friis.This was this same entrepreneurial/development team that was responsible forKazaa, the peer-to-peer file sharing application. eBay and Skype: an unlikely alliance...

Today,SkypelaunchedSkype 5.4 for Mac Betawith the same Facebook integration found inSkype 5.5 for Windows. We reviewed the latest updatehereand in doing so, I had to connect my Skype and Facebook accounts. I felt more than a slight period of hesitation. I have nearly 2,000 “friends” on Facebook, and only 60 on Skype, which are mostly professional contacts who I need to reach at all times. Now, with the easy access to my Facebook contacts that Skype provides, I run the risk of social bombardment!...

Traveling with an iOS device and need to get online? Now there’s another option – Skype. The VoIP companyhas launchedits WiFi-hotspot product that we’ve seen rumored for quite some time and it’s now available to downloadfor iOS. With the new Skype WiFi app, you can go online on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (running iOS 4.1 or above with multitasking) at over 1 million WiFi hotspots around the world, including hotels, airports, train stations, convention centres, bars and restaurants....

Slack stock hits record highs as traders buy the Salesforce rumor Traders have rallied Slack stock more than 45% in the past few days The market waits for more details on Salesforce’s Slack buyout There’s currently no word on how much Salesforce is prepared to pay for Slack.CNBC cited sourcesfamiliar with the matter who said the deal could value Slack at a premium, and might be made half in cash and half in stock....

Slack wants to make life easier for remote teams with its 5 new Workflow Builder templates Keep teams productive and connected with these templates for automating processes like daily huddles, requests, approvals and more Update teammates on your status When everyone is working from different places, be it a living room sofa or a different time zone, it helps to keep everyone in the loop without adding to their notifications. With this workflow, team members can easily complete a form to let others know where they’re working from....