When you look at Microsoft's acquisition history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mergers_and_acquisitions_by_Microsoft http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of

When you look at Microsoft's acquisition history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mergers_and_acquisitions_by_Microsoft http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mergers_and_acquisition... There aren't many very large brand name "statement" acquisitions there. Most are small companies you've probably never heard of. I think this Skype acquisition is a clear message that Microsoft is playing hardball now.