The technology giant stated that this decision will enable it to concentrate on its modern communication platform, Teams, which provides tools for online meetings, calling, and chat functionalities.
Skype was launched in 2003 and was acquired by eBay in 2005, before being purchased by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, which subsequently replaced its Windows Live Messenger service with Skype.
As of February 2023, Skype had approximately 36 million daily users. At its height, it was one of the most widely used online tools, becoming the preferred platform for video calls in the early 2000s and 2010s.
However, in recent years, it has been overshadowed by Teams, Microsoft’s latest collaboration service, which gained significant traction during the pandemic and the shift towards remote work.
In a blog post regarding the shutdown, Microsoft expressed, “Skype has played a crucial role in shaping modern communication and facilitating countless significant moments, and we are proud to have been part of that journey.
“We also understand that change can be challenging and want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way.
“We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways.”
Microsoft indicated that in the upcoming days, Skype users will be given the option to transition to Teams at no cost, along with the ability to export their Skype data.
The shutdown of Skype is confirmed for May 5.