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Microsoft Teams will replace Skype. Photo credit Shutterstock Yalcin sonat
Microsoft announced that Skype would be discontinued on May 5, 2025, 22 years after it was first launched. Niklas Zennström from Sweden and Janus Friis from Denmark released the communication app back in 2003 and it has kept the world connected with one another ever since.
Skype was the very first service to make international calls and video calls free. Previously, it cost money to communicate from one country to another using traditional phones. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2004 for $8.5 Billion. Microsoft attempted to incorporate it into other services, but hasn’t succeeded.
Why is Skype shutting down?
Skype’s popularity has been on the decline, with Zoom and Teams, two of the biggest names in communications, being selected ahead of Skype, especially during the lockdowns, when communication apps became a lifeline for millions.
Microsoft stated: “In order for us to better meet the needs of our customers, we are retiring Skype.”
Microsoft Teams will allow Skype users to log in using their existing credentials. Microsoft claims that this will lead to “their next phase”. Microsoft’s blog gave some advice to Skype users about the changes. “Export your Skype data. You can export all your data, including contacts, chats and call histories, if you don’t want to migrate to Teams. Skype will continue to be available up until May 5, 2025. This gives users the opportunity to learn more about Teams and find out which option is best for them.”
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