Skype hits a century... a million times over

There was a time when no one knew what Skype was (in India, many still don't know), but it is now on the forefront of the revival of the Web. So, it is not too surprising when you hear that Skype now has 100 million customers.

For me, Skype is more than just a dotcom, wanting to make it big. Many ask what is the big difference between the 1999 boom and the current boom. For one, the current boom is for real. It is real because the Internet is finally being used for what it was meant for -- services that touch the human heart. No technology will ever be used just for its esoteric nature -- it is only how tech influences everyday life that will determine the Web's success.

Here is what I predict the Web will be most used for (in order of usage) soon:
1) Communication
2) Entertainment - downloads and broadcasting
3) Information gathering
4) E-commerce
5) Banking

As you notice, Skype is at the top of the category rated No 1. Entertainment already has iTunes as No 1, while Google is No 1 for information gathering. Amazon and Ebay (which owns Skype) are No 1s in the e-commerce business. Banking may not have a No 1, but it is a category that cannot be ignored.

Agree? Disagree? Write back!