Microsoft to discontinue Skype in May

Microsoft to Retire Skype in May, Shifting Focus to Teams  

Microsoft has announced plans to discontinue Skype, the video-calling service it acquired for $8.5 billion in 2011, marking the end of an era in online communication.  

The tech giant revealed on Friday that Skype will be retired in May, with some of its features integrated into Microsoft Teams, its primary platform for video conferencing and team collaboration. Existing Skype users will be able to access Teams using their current accounts.  

For years, Microsoft has prioritized Teams over Skype, and this move aligns with its strategy to streamline communication services while competing with other major platforms.  

Launched in 2003 by Estonian engineers, Skype revolutionized online communication by utilizing VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to enable internet-based phone calls. The platform gained popularity for its ability to make affordable international calls, benefiting businesses and individuals alike. After being acquired by eBay in 2005, Skype introduced video calling, making high-quality virtual meetings accessible to a broader audience.  

By 2011, when Microsoft took over Skype, the platform had around 170 million users worldwide. It was a dominant force in online communication, with the brand name becoming synonymous with video calls. However, the rise of workplace messaging platforms like Slack and Teams, followed by the surge of video conferencing apps such as Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic, led to Skype’s gradual decline.  

Despite its reduced prominence, Skype played a pioneering role in modern virtual communication, bridging global connections and transforming how people interact remotely.