Microsoft Skype

Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype could be great news for freelancers, portfolio workers and sovereign professionals everywhere.

Of course there’s many a slip twixt cup and lip, and business acquisitions yield real value in a surprisingly small percentage of cases, but it strikes me that there is huge potential here.

On the consumer side, MSN Messenger – the world’s largest instant messaging platform – has long had audio and video call capability but doesn’t have the recognition.  Skype has the recognition but hasn’t made great head-way into enterprise.  Microsoft’s Office Communicator (now Lync) has fast-growing enterprise credibility.

It could all work out beautifully and make life both easier and more cost-effective for independent workers and all forms flexible working.

Here’s the vision…

Flexible workers and freelancers fit right in the middle.