After two decades of connecting people worldwide, Skype is officially shutting down. Microsoft has announced that the service will no longer be available starting in May. Users will still be able to log in using their Skype credentials, but they’ll now have access to Microsoft Teams’ free version instead.
The Rise and Fall of Skype
Skype was once a revolutionary platform, making international calls free and easy. It was founded in Estonia in 2003 and quickly became popular. In 2005, eBay bought it for $2.6 billion, but the deal didn’t work out, and eBay sold most of its stake in 2009. Two years later, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, making it their biggest purchase at the time.
Microsoft integrated Skype into its products, including Office and Windows Phone, but over time, the platform started losing its dominance. While it saw a temporary boost in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, newer apps like Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, and WhatsApp became more popular.
Microsoft’s Shift to Teams
Microsoft has been focusing more on Teams, a platform that offers similar communication features along with business tools. Jeff Teper, President of Microsoft 365, reflected on Skype’s impact, saying, “Skype has played a huge role in shaping digital communication, and we’re grateful to have been part of the journey. Now, we’re excited for the future with Microsoft Teams.”
The End of an Era
Skype changed the way people communicated, especially at a time when international calls were expensive. While its popularity has faded, its legacy as one of the pioneers of online communication remains.
As Skype says goodbye, Microsoft is moving forward with Teams, ensuring users can stay connected in new and improved ways.
