Strategic Review of Skype



Executive Summary

Strategic analysis of Skype and its competitive environment have been conducted because communication is a very essential part of our lives. Skype allows the users to talk and see their friends and loved ones either one on one, or in conferences. Skype also gives the user flexibility with a lot of great features like instant messaging, and conference calls which can cater up to five people in video and 25 in audio chats. Its competitors include MSN, Yahoo, Face-Book and twitter. Skype provides various opportunities of interacting with people because of the services it offers that include instant messaging, audio and video communication. This enables the people across the globe to communicate with one another in a simple and cost-effective manner. Therefore, it is being used by millions of users worldwide and is greatly demanded.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Trends of Communication Targeting American Audience1

Internal Analysis of Skype2

Current Strategic Position and Tactics2

Evolution of Technology3

Important traits of Leaders at Skype3

Diversity4

Resources and Capabilities4

Instant Messaging4

Audio Communication4

Video Communication5

Success5

Conclusion5

References7

Strategic Review of Skype

Introduction

In this paper, strategic analysis of Skype and its competitive environment have been conducted. From the first word or gesture made, to the latest in communication technology like Skype, man has had the desire to communicate with each other. Communication in general terms is the process of transmission of meaningful information to the receiver by the sender. Communication can also be done over vast distances at different time and space as the receiver does not need to be present at the time of communication. Humans being social creatures by nature need to communicate with each other in one way or another. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a person needs to satisfy their love and belonging needs by interacting with each other increasing the need of means which can be used to communicate (Conchie & Rath 2009).

Trends of Communication Targeting American Audience

When it comes to communication via online social networks and communication software, human beings are very active. America rates as number one when it comes to Facebook traffic globally. Facebook allows users to express them self on the world wide web in the most comprehensive way possible, as you can upload pictures, your mood or current doings (status), you likes or dislikes, get to find and meet friends and much more. It very convenient to use this social network website to meet or find and stay connected to people close to you, even though they may be scattered across the world, while being able to talk to them via instant messaging.

Americans may not be the most techs savvy, but are some of the highest users of communicative technology when it comes to online services. They like to talk to each other from the comfort of their homes, using applications and Medias like MSN, Yahoo, Face-Book, twitter and Skype. Skype allows the users to talk and see their friends and loved ones either one on one, or in conferences. Skype also gives the user flexibility with a lot of great features like ...