Skype was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis. It allows users to communicate for free through voice and video calls if both parties have the Skype software. Skype generates revenue through premium services like calling phones and includes features like instant messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing. It is available in many languages worldwide and has relationships with hardware and software providers, and is owned by eBay.