An investigation into Skype Technologies S.A.

Bachelor Thesis , 2006 , 78 Pages , Grade: 1,8

Business economics - General

Skype is quite a new software enabling free calls over the Internet (Shaver, 2006). Users save money, because Skype charges nothing for telephone calls between Skype users. Only calling a landline or a mobile phone and receiving incoming calls from a conventional phone or mobile phone are charged (Skype Fast Facts, 2005). This idea is supposed to revolutionize the whole phone market (Powell, 2005). VoIP is the future telecommunications media in Germany. What is Skype’s future in Germany?

Table of Contents

• Student Declaration
• Permission and confidentiality form
• Table of Contents
• Table of Abbreviations
• Table of Exhibits
• Acknowledgements
• Chapter I: Introduction
  • 1.1 Skype - nature of study
  • 1.2 Hypothesis
  • 1.3 Aims and Objectives
  • 1.4 Limitations to the study
• Chapter II: Literature Review
  • 2.1 VoIP the technology
  • 2.2 The future of VoIP
  • 2.3 Skype – the technology
  • 2.4 Characteristics of Skype's technology
  • 2.5 The future of Skype
• Chapter III: Methodology
  • 3.1 Case Study Approach
  • 3.2 Key Concepts
    • 3.2.1 Validity and Reliability
    • 3.2.2 Triangulation
    • 3.2.3 Generalisability
  • 3.3 Research Families/Research Techniques
    • 3.3.1 Primary data
      • 3.3.1.1 Interviews
      • 3.3.1.2 Questionnaires
    • 3.3.2 Secondary data
  • 3.4 Analytical tools
• Chapter IV: Findings
  • 4.1 Structure of the findings and the conclusion
  • 4.2 Evaluation of the primary data sources
    • 4.2.1 Questionnaire directed to private persons
    • 4.2.2 Questionnaire directed to IT experts
    • 4.2.3 Interviews with IT professionals
  • 4.3 Tariff comparison of SkypeOut v. German Telekom
  • 4.4 Skype's Vision, Mission and competitive strategies
  • 4.5 Analysis of the future market opportunities of Skype
    • 4.5.1 SWOT
      • 4.5.1.1 Strengths
      • 4.5.1.2 Weaknesses
      • 4.5.1.3 Opportunities
      • 4.5.1.4 Threats
    • 4.5.2 The Product-Market Growth Matrix by Igor Ansoff
      • 4.5.2.1 Market Penetration
      • 4.5.2.2 Product Development

Objectives and Key Themes

This dissertation aims to investigate the future of Skype Technologies SA in the German telecommunications market. It explores the potential impact of Skype's VoIP technology on the existing market and considers the company's strategies for success. * **VoIP Technology and its Future:** The dissertation examines the nature of VoIP technology, its future implications, and the factors influencing its adoption in Germany. * **Skype's Technology and Strategies:** The study focuses on Skype's specific technology, its key features, and the competitive strategies it employs to gain market share. * **Market Analysis and Opportunities:** The dissertation analyzes the potential market opportunities for Skype in Germany, considering factors such as market size, growth, and competitive landscape. * **Impact on Telecommunications Industry:** The work investigates how Skype's entry into the German telecommunications market might affect existing players and the overall industry landscape. * **Case Study Approach and Data Collection:** The dissertation employs a case study approach, collecting both primary and secondary data to analyze Skype's position and future prospects.

Chapter Summaries

• Chapter I: Introduction provides an overview of the research, defining the scope and purpose of the study, outlining the hypothesis, aims, and objectives, and acknowledging any limitations.
• Chapter II: Literature Review examines the existing body of knowledge related to VoIP technology, its future potential, and Skype's specific technology and strategies. It explores the characteristics of Skype's technology and its future prospects.
• Chapter III: Methodology details the research methods employed, including the case study approach, key concepts like validity, reliability, and triangulation, and the types of data used (primary and secondary). This chapter also discusses the analytical tools used in the study.
• Chapter IV: Findings presents the results of the data analysis, including an evaluation of primary data sources (questionnaires and interviews), a comparison of SkypeOut tariffs to German Telekom, an analysis of Skype's vision, mission, and competitive strategies, and an assessment of future market opportunities.

Keywords

This dissertation focuses on the intersection of VoIP technology, the telecommunications industry, and the future of Skype Technologies SA in Germany. The key themes include the potential impact of VoIP on traditional telecommunications providers, the characteristics and strategies of Skype's technology, and an analysis of market opportunities and competitive dynamics. The research utilizes a case study approach, incorporating both primary and secondary data sources, and explores concepts such as validity, reliability, and triangulation.

• College: New College Durham
• Grade: 1,8
• Author: BA (Hons) Business Management and Administration Josephine Stadler (Author)
• Publication Year: 2006
• Pages: 78
• Catalog Number: V67531
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638586306
• ISBN (Book): 9783640257393
• Language: English
• Tags: Skype, Technologies