Microsoft Bids Farewell to Skype

After 21 years of revolutionizing digital communication, Microsoft Corporation has officially retired Skype. This marks the end of an era for the once-dominant video calling platform. Users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams, where they can log in for free with their existing Skype credentials, ensuring a seamless migration of messages and contacts.

The Rise and Fall of a Communication Giant

Launched in 2003, Skype quickly became a global icon, capturing a 40% share of the international call market by 2014. Despite its early success, Skype's inability to adapt to cloud-native and mobile-first technologies led to its decline.

Microsoft's Strategic Shift

In May 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, a move aimed at bolstering its presence in both consumer and enterprise communications. However, as of May 5, 2025, Skype has been completely phased out in favor of the more scalable and modern Microsoft Teams platform.