Microsoft announced the impending shutdown of the Skype video platform, a service it acquired in 2011 for $8.5 billion (£5.3 billion). The discontinuation is set to take effect on May 5, 2025. Users currently on Skype will be encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams, which Microsoft is promoting as its modern communications and collaboration hub.

In a statement shared via the official Skype account on X, the company expressed gratitude to users, saying, "Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the coming days, you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts. Thank you for being part of Skype."

Microsoft elaborated on the decision in a separate statement, noting that communication methods have evolved significantly over the years. "The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years," the company stated. "From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect with each other." The company asserts that focusing on Teams will streamline its consumer communications offerings and better adapt to customer needs.

Teams will retain many core features familiar to Skype users, including one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. However, it also introduces enhanced functionalities, such as hosting meetings, managing calendars, and forming community groups—all free of charge. Microsoft highlighted the growing user base for Teams, noting that hundreds of millions already utilise it for work, education, and personal interactions. In the last two years, the amount of time consumers spend in meetings on Teams has reportedly quadrupled, illustrating its increasing relevance in everyday communication.

Skype, launched in 2003, saw a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many individuals and businesses shifted to rivals such as Zoom. Although Microsoft attempted to reposition Skype as a corporate communication tool, it faced stiff competition from platforms like Slack and Teams.

As the timeline for Skype's shutdown approaches, users are urged to begin the transition to Teams, reflecting Microsoft's strategic shift in focus towards this newer platform.

Source: Noah Wire Services