For two years, Skype has been lurking in the background of technology keeners, searching for mainstream use but not quite making it. During that time, Microsoft's MSN has been growing by offering audio and video services that allow conversations between PC's. The potential of computers to supplement and even replace telephones has been there for some time, and it is through services like Skype that this could occur. Not likely a replacement, though, because cell phones are becoming more like little computers, so it's more of a type of convergence. We're watching what is happening with cell phones and other handhelds. We also need to watch what happens with PC services like Skype and MSN. The Hype over Skype: Can It Go the Distance? - Knowledge@Wharton