Skype to Shut Down in May as Microsoft Shifts Focus to Teams

San Francisco: Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue Skype in May 2025, marking the end of an era for the pioneering internet calling service. The decision aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate its communication tools under Teams, which has gained significant traction among corporate users.

Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized long-distance communication by offering affordable voice and video calls. However, as competitors like Zoom and Slack gained popularity, Skype struggled to maintain relevance, especially in the smartphone era.

Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion in 2011 but has since prioritized Teams, integrating it with Office apps to cater to businesses. To facilitate the transition, existing Skype users will be able to log into Teams using their current credentials, with their chats and contacts migrating automatically.

Microsoft acknowledged Skype’s impact, stating that the platform played a crucial role in shaping modern digital communication.