Skype has been around for just over 12 years and is the largest voice over IP (VoIP) service in the world. Skype has been a boon for users the world over who use the service to communicate with friends, family and colleagues via voice, video and instant messaging over the Internet. With a user base of over 300 million users that continues to grow, Skype has definitely taken full advantage of direct network effects to create and capture value.<\/p>\n
How does Skype create value through network effects?<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s simple: free Skype voice calls, video calls, group calls, instant messaging and screen sharing! This value proposition allows Skype to effectively sell itself and grow its network organically. Why pay to make a phone call when you can download the Skype application and have the same functionality, for free?! Each Skype user benefits from each additional contact they have on Skype because the alternative is a phone call that they have to pay for.<\/p>\n Skype’s video capabilities create additional value in circumstances where an in-person meeting may be too expensive or inconvenient, but a voice call is not quite sufficient. Skype has managed to become the medium of choice for video calls in various situations. For instance,\u00a0Skype has allowed viewers to call-in to their favorite TV shows and to appear on screen, allowing for a more interactive experience all around. Oprah was\u00a0famously a huge proponent of using Skype to connect with her viewers on her talkshow. News networks such as CNN are able to receive receive reports or have live commentary from field reporters or experts via Skype. Even HBS uses Skype to interview potential admits who are unable to attend an interview in person.<\/p>\n In addition, Skype allows users to purchase \u201cSkype Credit\u201d, which they can use to make low cost calls to landlines and mobiles. These calls are considerably cheaper than making actual phone calls, especially international calls. I distinctly remember my first visit to the US. I had arranged to stay with a friend and we had agreed that I would call her on my arrival so that she could meet me at her apartment. However, on arrival at JFK airport I discovered that my international roaming was not working. My solution was to connect to the airport\u2019s wifi and to call my friend using my Skype Credit. The call cost me less than a dollar, which was considerably less than what a call at international rates would have eventually cost me. Value creation? Absolutely!<\/p>\n How does Skype capture value through network effects?<\/strong><\/p>\n Skype makes money from charging small fees for their services. For instance, even with the really low rates for paid calls made using Skype Credit ($0.023\/minute for a domestic call in the US + a $0.049 connection fee), Skype makes money from each call. Skype also makes money from subscription services, where users can purchase 1, 3 and 12 month calling plans that allow users to make unlimited calls to selected countries. Other services include allowing users to purchase a Skype Number that allows them to receive phone calls via their Skype account, and Skype WiFi which allows users to connect to the internet from a public hotspot using Skype Credit.<\/p>\n What is unclear is whether the revenues generated from Skype\u2019s services are particularly lucrative. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion and since then, there has been no breakdown of the revenues derived from Skype. Nonetheless, Skype\u2019s network of users allow the company to capture value from the increasing user base that take advantage of additional services.<\/p>\n But what about competition?<\/strong><\/p>\n Skype faces competition from the likes of Apple\u2019s FaceTime application and Google Hangouts. One of the drawbacks of FaceTime is that it requires both users to be using Apple devices. While this is a great way for Apple to continue to lock users into the Apple ecosystem, it plays to Skype\u2019s advantage in that Skype is platform-agnostic. Users can download Skype onto all major operating systems, on mobile devices, laptops and PCs.<\/p>\n Google Hangouts is perhaps a more viable competitor. Similar to Skype, Google Hangouts is free and is also\u00a0platform agnostic. In addition, Google Hangouts takes advantage of Google\u2019s readily available network of Google account holders thus providing an established user base. However, the requirement that Google Hangouts users have a Google account also hinders the strength of the network effects required to grow Google Hangouts into a veritable competitor to Skype.<\/p>\n What\u2019s next?<\/strong><\/p>\n Skype is in a significantly strong position given the size and strength of its user base. However, the company needs to be wary of the increasing number of players on the market that also offer free voice and video calls, instant messaging and screen sharing. As Skype\u2019s product becomes less differentiated from other product offerings, the question is whether the strength of its network effects will continue to sustain the company?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:<\/em><\/p>\n http:\/\/blogs.skype.com\/2013\/08\/28\/skype-celebrates-a-decade-of-meaningful-conversations\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/support.skype.com\/en\/faq\/FA335\/how-does-skype-make-money<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/secure.skype.com\/en\/calling-rates<\/a><\/p>\n