Microsoft to shut down Skype in May after 22 years
What's the story
Microsoft is all set to permanently shut down its video conferencing platform, Skype, in May. The news came via a message in the latest preview for Skype for Windows, XDA reported. The message read, "Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available." The move will end a 22-year-long journey for Skype, which started in 2003 and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011.
Platform changes
Evolution and integration attempts
Over the years, Microsoft has made a number of changes to Skype's features as part of its ownership. This included killing Windows Live Messenger. In 2015, the company tried integrating Skype into Windows 10 — a move that lasted just nine months. The tech giant also launched Teams in 2017 as a competitor to services like Slack, expanding its communication tools portfolio.
User migration
Transition plan for existing users
Notably, the preview message also suggested that existing Skype users will be prompted to migrate to Teams. It read, "Continue your calls and chats in Teams." Plus, a note will also let users know how many of their contacts have already moved to the free version of Teams. This is likely to be based on the contacts synced with Windows.
Industry impact
Skype's legacy in the video conferencing industry
Skype has been a pioneer in the video conferencing space since day one. Its upcoming shutdown marks the end of an era that witnessed major advancements in digital communication. The platform's features and easy-to-use interface have made it a go-to option for people and businesses alike for online meetings, chats, and calls.