Speculation is that Microsoft is buying Skype to compete with Apple’s Facetime. Microsoft believes Skype brings a recognized brand name on the web at a time when it is struggling to get more traction in the consumer market.

I don’t see the strategic fit but the blog Gigom reports that Skype:

• gives Microsoft a boost in the enterprise collaboration market, thanks to Skype’s voice, video and sharing capabilities, especially when competing with Cisco and Google.
• gives Microsoft a working relationship with carriers, many of them looking to partner with Skype as they start to transition to LTE-based networks.
• gives them a must-have application/service that can help with the adoption of the future versions of Windows Mobile operating system.

However, the biggest reason for Microsoft to buy Skype is Windows Mobile and Nokia. The software giant needs a competitive offering to Google Voice and Apple’s emerging communication platform, Facetime.
Google and Facebook were also interested in Skype but did not make the final cut. Whichever way you look at it, it is a high price to pay to compete with Apple.