Microsoft has successfully bought Skype, with the online video calling company becoming a division within the software giant. The $8.5 billion deal to unite the two massive tech organisations was first revealed back in May and approved by the Federal Trade Commission in June, but has only just been officially announced as completed.

Skype boss Tony Bates will now become the president of the Skype Division of Microsoft and report directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, and it is unlikely that Skype users will see any immediate effect on their service or services.

However, Pocket-lint does expect the deal to benefit Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7 owners shortly. There have been persistent rumours that Xbox Live, when coupled with a Kinect, will be getting a Skype portal, while we'd be amazed if an application isn't already in the pipeline for WP7.

Indeed, Microsoft's own official statement suggests both: "Skype will also be integrated across an array of Microsoft products to broaden Skype’s reach and accelerate its growth as a fundamental way people communicate online."

It is hoped that the deal will help Skype reach one billion daily users - a mighty number: “By bringing together the best of Microsoft and the best of Skype, we are committed to empowering consumers and businesses around the globe to connect in new ways,” said Bates. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s goal to reach 1 billion users daily."

For the time being at least, Skype will continue to be based in its current offices around the world.

Would you like to see Skype on Xbox Live and WP7? Do you think this marriage will be successful? Let us know in the comments below...