Microsoft will discontinue the Skype service in May 2025, directing users to Microsoft Teams. Skype, founded in 2003, enabled free voice and video calls, achieving peak user numbers in the hundreds of millions. However, its relevance has waned due to competition, with Teams now serving as Microsoft’s primary communication tool.
Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue Skype, the widely-used video calling service, in May 2025, marking the end of its two-decade legacy. The announcement was made via a post on X, where the company also recommended users transition to its communication application, Microsoft Teams. Founded in 2003, Skype revolutionized online communication by allowing users to make free voice and video calls, becoming especially popular for international calls due to its cost-saving features.
Despite its initial success, with several hundred million monthly users, Skype has experienced a significant decline, now serving approximately 30 million users each month according to Similarweb. The service allowed connectivity not only among Skype users but also to landline and mobile phones, requiring either Skype credit or subscription for the latter. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, incorporating it into its broader product offerings such as Windows and Office.
However, as competition intensified from platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp, Skype struggled to maintain its market position. In contrast, Microsoft Teams, which was launched in 2017, has gained considerable traction as a leader in collaboration software, particularly within corporate communications. The shift from Skype to Teams reflects Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate its communication services under a single, powerful platform.
In summary, Microsoft will phase out Skype in May 2025 after over 20 years of operation, directing users to Microsoft Teams instead. Skype, once a groundbreaking service for free global communication, has seen a substantial decline in user numbers and lost its appeal to competitors. The transition underscores a shift in Microsoft’s focus towards enhancing its collaboration platforms, especially within corporate settings.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
