Skype will officially shut down on May 5 as Microsoft retires its two-decade-old internet calling service to streamline its communication offerings and prioritize its homegrown Teams platform.
Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized long-distance communication, disrupting the landline industry and amassing hundreds of millions of users at its peak. However, competition from platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, Slack, and WeChat, coupled with outdated technology that struggled in the smartphone era, led to its decline.
Microsoft strategically pivoted to Teams, aggressively integrating it with Office apps to cater to corporate users during the pandemic-fueled remote work surge. As part of the transition, existing Skype users can access Teams for free with their current credentials, ensuring a seamless migration of chats and contacts.
Skype’s user base had significantly dwindled from 150 million monthly users at the time of Microsoft’s $8.5 billion acquisition in 2011 to just 23 million by 2020, despite a brief resurgence during the pandemic. Meanwhile, Teams has surged to 320 million monthly active users.
Microsoft emphasized Skype’s role in shaping modern communication, stating, “We are honored to have been part of the journey.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
