Microsoft will retire its calling and messaging service Skype to focus on Microsoft Teams after 21 years of successful run. Skype will be available till May 5 this year. With this Microsoft will be focusing on Microsoft Teams (free) as the communication and collaboration hub.
Microsoft will retire its calling and messaging service Skype
In a blog post, Microsoft announced that, beginning Friday, users who are enrolled in both the Teams and Skype Insiders programs will be able to sign into Teams (for free) on any compatible device using their login credentials.
About 14 years ago, in 2011, Microsoft paid $8.5 billion in cash to acquire Skype. Microsoft is enabling users to export their data, including chats, contacts, and call history, if they don’t want to switch to Teams.
“The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years. From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect with each other,” said Jeff Teper, president, collaborative apps and platforms in a blog.
According to data from Statista as of March 2024, India accounts for around 4.55 percent of Skype’s user base
According to the site, Teams offers customers many of the same essential functions as Skype, including file sharing, messaging, and one-on-one and group calls. Teams also provides improved features including calendar management, meeting hosting, and free community creation and membership.
Microsoft will no longer offer paid Skype features
“Hundreds of millions of people already use Teams as their hub for teamwork, helping them stay connected and engaged at work, school, and at home. In the past two years, the number of minutes spent in meetings by consumer users of Teams has grown 4X, reflecting the value Teams brings to everyday communication and collaboration,” said the blog.
Additionally, Microsoft will no longer offer paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions that allow you to make and receive international and domestic calls.
