Skype has been an interesting company to follow over the past few years.

The company lost almost a billion dollars in 2007, the same year it was devalued by around $500 million by then-owner eBay. eBay sold Skype in 2009; the following year Skype filed for an IPO.

Then, earlier this month, we began hearing rumors that Skype would be acquired for $4 billion by Google or Facebook. In reality, Skype was just acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion, which means the software giant values Skype at around $1,000 per user — a price some still think was far too high.

But whether or not the price was right, we do know that Microsoft will change Skype. We'll just have to wait and see how much it will alter an already much-used service.

This infographic from business network Focus shows Skype's company history — including its rollercoaster valuations to year-over-year revenues.

Click image to see larger version.

[source: Focus and The Credit Score Blog]