Microsoft to shut down Skype in May, shifting focus to Teams
Microsoft has announced it will discontinue Skype, the once-dominant internet calling and video service, in May. The company confirmed on X that users will soon be able to log into Microsoft Teams’ free tier with their Skype credentials.
Skype, launched in 2003, gained global popularity for offering free voice and video calls. Microsoft acquired it in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into products like Office and Windows Phone. However, its usage has declined in recent years amid competition from Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, and WhatsApp.
Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps, acknowledged Skype’s role in shaping digital communication but emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to Teams as its primary communication platform.
Skype originally gained traction after eBay purchased it in 2005 but struggled under its ownership. A private investor group later acquired a majority stake before Microsoft’s acquisition. Now, as Microsoft focuses on Teams, Skype’s legacy as an early leader in online communication is coming to an end.
