1. 2. Skype’s business model is illustrated in Business Model Generation (98-99), but the identification of customer segments and the value proposition are rather brief and generic. Prepare a more detailed Business Model Canvas for Skype based on the information provided in the case.
Key Partners * Payment providers (Visa, Master, PayPal) * OS developers (Windows, Linux,) * Third party websites which provide downloadable software * Hardware manufacturers (Logitech, Plantronics) * Landline and mobile service providers * ISP’s
Key Activities * Software Development * Skype.com maintenance and promotion * Service provisioning * Infrastructure Development
Value Proposition * Free video and voice calls, IMs, and File sharing with other Skype users. * Cheap option to * Place calls to landlines and mobiles. * Receive calls from landlines and mobiles. * Do Group video calls
Customer Segments * Anyone who wants to make free pc to pc calls. * Anyone who wants to communicate using video. * Anyone who want to access inbound phone calls from their pc. * Anyone who wants to make outbound calls to landlines or cell phone. * Businesses who want to incorporate VoIP into their own offering. “Click to Talk” * Anyone who wants a low cost additional phone line.
Key Resources * Software Developers * Technical Architects * Servers * Client Software * Skype.com * CRM staff
Customer Relationships * Transactional * Reactive * Email-based * Self Service * Customer-Customer * Free Online Forums (Communities)
Channels
* Direct * Word of Mouth * Web Sales * Skype.com * Third party applications and websites like idroo for Skype. * Hardware Partnerships
Cost Structure * Software Development * Website and Online forum management * Fixed