Microsoft will discontinue Skype in May 2025, following over 20 years of service. Founded in 2003, Skype became popular for offering free voice and video calls but has lost users to competitors. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into its services while Teams has taken precedence in the market.
On February 28, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Skype, the renowned video calling service, set to take effect in May 2025. Originally founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, Skype revolutionized communications by enabling users to make free voice and video calls over the internet, significantly reducing the costs associated with long-distance phone calls. At its peak, Skype boasted hundreds of millions of users monthly but has since experienced a decline to approximately 30 million users today.
Skype, which allowed users to connect not only with other Skype accounts but also to landline and mobile numbers—for which a subscription was necessary—was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion. Despite its integration into Microsoft’s software platforms, Skype has faced stiff competition from rivals such as Zoom and WhatsApp. As a result, Microsoft Teams, launched in 2017, has emerged as a leading tool for corporate communication and collaboration.
In summary, Microsoft will retire Skype in May 2025 after two decades of service. Initially heralded for its transformative impact on communication, Skype’s user base has dwindled significantly. The rise of competitors and Microsoft’s focus on Teams highlights the changing landscape of digital communication.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
