• Skype will officially shut down on May 5, 2025, after 22 years of service.
• Microsoft urges users to transition to Teams, retaining access to chats and contacts.
• Skype's popularity has declined due to competition from platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp.

Skype, once a pioneer in online communication, will cease operations on May 5, 2025, as announced by Microsoft earlier this year. This decision marks the end of an era for a platform that revolutionized video calling since its launch in 2003. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, but over the years, its user base has diminished significantly due to competition from services like Zoom and WhatsApp, reports Al Jazeera and NPR.

Users are encouraged to move to Microsoft Teams where they can sign in using their Skype credentials. This transition allows for a seamless migration of chats and contacts, enabling users to maintain their communication history. Microsoft emphasizes that Teams offers similar core features, such as one-on-one calling, group calls, messaging, and file sharing, according to India Times and TRT Global.

The discontinuation of Skype reflects a strategic move by Microsoft to streamline its communication services, focusing on Teams as the primary platform for both personal and professional use. This change signifies Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user experience while phasing out less relevant services, which has included stopping new purchases within Skype as reported by AA, and TRT Global.