Microsoft has announced that it will be shutting down Skype, the once-dominant internet-based phone and video service, starting in May. Users have been informed that Skype will no longer be available for use, and they can use their log-in information on Microsoft Teams' free tier in the near future.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into its suite of products such as Office and Windows Phone. However, Skype's popularity has waned in recent years, facing stiff competition from other communication platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Cisco Webex.
In a blog post, Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, expressed gratitude for Skype's role in shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments. He highlighted the new opportunities that Microsoft Teams brings and the company's commitment to helping users stay connected in innovative ways.
Skype was launched in 2003 in Estonia and quickly gained popularity as a platform for making free international calls, a significant advantage at a time when traditional phone calls across borders were costly. eBay acquired Skype in 2005 for $2.6 billion but later sold its stake to an investor group in 2009 before Microsoft's acquisition in 2011.
Despite its historical significance, Skype's closure reflects the evolving landscape of communication technologies and Microsoft's strategic focus on platforms like Teams. Users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams for their communication needs as Skype prepares to bid farewell in the coming months.
