Microsoft has announced that Skype will cease operations in May 2025 after two decades of service. Founded in 2003, Skype once revolutionized global communication by offering free video and voice calls. Despite its initial success, the service has seen a significant decline in users, prompting Microsoft to pivot towards Teams for its communication needs.
Microsoft has announced that Skype, the once-venerated video calling platform, will discontinue its services after more than two decades, with operations ceasing in May 2025. This announcement was made via a brief post on platform X, directing users to transition to Microsoft Teams, the company’s current focus for communication solutions.
Originally founded in 2003 in Luxembourg by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, Skype revolutionized internet calling by enabling users to engage in free voice and video calls globally, proving particularly advantageous for international interactions where traditional call rates were prohibitively high.
At its peak, Skype boasted several hundred million monthly users; however, current figures from Similarweb indicate a stark decline to approximately 30 million users each month. Skype allowed for both user-to-user calls and the ability to dial landline and mobile numbers, necessitating Skype credits or subscriptions for the latter. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for a remarkable $8.5 billion, integrating the service within its existing software suite, including Windows and Office applications.
Despite Microsoft’s substantial investment and integration efforts, Skype has significantly lagged behind rival platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp. In contrast, Microsoft Teams, introduced in 2017, has ascended as a prominent tool in the collaboration software arena, securing a critical role in corporate communication.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to retire Skype marks the end of an era for the once-leading video calling service. The transition to Microsoft Teams reflects the company’s strategy to concentrate on more competitive and innovative platforms, as Skype’s user base dwindles due to stiff competition.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
