With new CEO, Skype's rivalry with Cisco comes into full view
Skype will reportedly get a new CEO from Cisco Systems in a move that will highlight the budding enterprise technology rivalry between the two companies.
The New York Times and TechCrunch are reporting that Tony Bates, who leads Cisco's enterprise, commercial and small business unit, will take over as Skype CEO.
In other words, the Web collaboration space is about to get a lot more interesting.
Josh Silverman, who ran Skype since 2008, will step aside. Cisco in a blog post said CTO Padmasree Warrior will take over to lead the enterprise, commercial and small business group. Bates is leaving to pursue another opportunity---Skype.
Skype has been very clear that it plans to be a major collaboration player in business settings. Skype's future growth---earnings and revenue---rides with the enterprise.
With Bates, Skype will clearly have a leader with enterprise chops. Couple the hiring of Bates along with last week's partnership with Avaya and it's clear that Skype is going to be a real thorn in Cisco's side.
More on Skype's enterprise ambitions.
Skype covers consumer, enterprise partner bases
- Skype builds out its channel as enterprise rollout continues
- Skype 5.0 bumps up group video calling to 10 users at once
- Does Cisco buying Skype make sense?
- Skype launches Connect 1.0, aims for enterprise customers
- Google’s Gmail calling: Another potential enterprise app goodie aimed at Skype
- Skype, Demand Media indicate tech IPO window open and well
- ShoreTel gives Skype’s enterprise plans a lift