Redmond, Washington (Agencies): Microsoft has officially retired Skype, marking the end of an era for the pioneering internet calling service. After 22 years, the company has decided to shift its focus to Microsoft Teams, positioning it as the primary communication platform for both business and personal use.
Skype, originally launched in August 2003 by Niklas Zennstrom, Janus Friis, and four Estonian developers, revolutionized online communication by offering free or low-cost voice and video calls over the internet. The service quickly became a global phenomenon, allowing users to connect across borders without expensive phone bills. At its peak in the mid-2010s, Skype boasted over 300 million monthly users.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into its ecosystem as a replacement for Windows Live Messenger. However, over the years, the company gradually shifted resources toward Teams, which has now become its flagship communication tool.
The decline of Skype was accelerated by the rise of competing services such as Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet. In February 2025, Microsoft announced its plan to shut down Skype, urging users to transition to Teams, where they could transfer their contacts and chat history until January 2026.
Despite its waning popularity, Skype remains a nostalgic favorite for many users, who have taken to social media to share tributes, calling its shutdown “the end of an era.” Many recall how Skype was their first experience of staying connected with loved ones, colleagues, and friends across the world.
Microsoft’s decision to retire Skype reflects its broader strategy to consolidate communication tools under Teams, which offers enhanced collaboration features such as file sharing, calendar integration, and community channels.
As Skype bids farewell, its legacy as a trailblazer in internet-based communication remains undeniable.