Skype, the leading communication service provider that connects millions of people around the globe, has acquired startup company GroupMe, a free group text messaging and conference call service on mobile phones,for  an undisclosed amount. Although, an anonymous source told the Wall Street Journal they value the deal to around $80 million.

Skype acquired GroupMe to enhance their communication services by providing the best text-based communications and innovative features that will enable users to connect, share locations and photos.

“Skype and GroupMe have a shared vision of creating applications and experiences that are the daily communications choice for a billion people. We will continue to seek the top talent and technology to make that vision a reality,” said Tony Bates, Skype’s Chief Executive Officer. “The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family,” added Bates.

The New York-based company GroupMe’s goal when they started was to keep people connected in real-time and to change the way people across the globe communicate and get together in real life.  They have already achieved their first goal and now, with access to Skype’s 175 million members, their second goal is just an arm’s length away.

Both companies believe that there is a natural affinity between them, and this partnership will tend to expand Skype’s already powerful array of communication tools.  In fact, the recent leak of a an upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update revealed Skype integration with the extremely popular video game console system. So Xbox owners might also eventually see GroupMe’s product design as well.

Since Skype is in the process of becoming a part of Microsoft, this acquisition could mean big for Microsoft’s mobile sector.  We don’t have to guess how GoupMe will benefit both Skype and sales of Microsoft mobile devices.  It’s really quite simple.  If RIM has BBM and Apple has iMessage then Microsoft will have GroupMe.  Get it?  It’s the dawn of the free messaging services.

Though GroupMe currently works with iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone, with this deal, they could easily become an exclusive Windows Phone feature.  That would surely boost their sales.