Skype, the video calling service owned by Microsoft, will cease operations in May 2025 after over 20 years. Originating in 2003, it enabled free global calls and once had hundreds of millions of users. Microsoft encourages users to shift to Microsoft Teams as it becomes the main communication platform.
Microsoft has announced that Skype, the well-known video calling service, will be discontinued in May 2025 after more than two decades of operation. The company made this announcement via a brief post on X, urging users to migrate to Microsoft Teams, its current communications app. Skype, originally founded in 2003, was pivotal in enabling free voice and video calls globally, especially beneficial for international communication as it reduced the costs associated with traditional telephone services.
At its peak, Skype garnered hundreds of millions of active users monthly worldwide, a figure that has substantially decreased to approximately 30 million users currently. The service enables users to initiate calls not only to fellow Skype users but also to landline and mobile phones, although this requires a Skype credit or subscription.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion and incorporated it into its suite of products, including Windows and Office. Despite this integration, Skype has faced stiff competition from platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp. Conversely, Microsoft Teams, launched in 2017, has emerged as a frontrunner in the collaboration software market and is central to corporate communication practices.
In conclusion, the closure of Skype marks the end of an era for the service, which significantly transformed global communications two decades ago. As Microsoft shifts its focus to Teams, users must adapt to this transition for their communication needs, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication tools.
In summary, Skype will be shut down in May 2025, prompting users to transition to Microsoft Teams. While Skype revolutionized online communication and enjoyed massive popularity, its user base has dwindled in recent years. Microsoft’s investment in Teams indicates a strategic shift towards enhancing corporate collaboration. This decision marks the conclusion of an influential service that once led the way in video calling.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
