Microsoft to end Skype service, shifts focus to Teams

Microsoft announced that starting February 28, Skype users in the Insider programs can sign into Teams using their existing Skype credentials, with the feature gradually rolling out to all Skype users on supported devices

Call it the end of an era, as Microsoft is shutting down its popular calling and messaging service, Skype, after 21 years of operation. Skype will remain available until May 5 this year, marking the end of an era for the platform. Going forward, the company will concentrate on enhancing Microsoft Teams, including its free version, as the central communication and collaboration hub for both personal and professional use.

In a blog post, Microsoft outlined plans to make it easier for Skype users to transition to Teams. Starting February 28, users who are part of both the Skype and Teams Insider programs will be able to sign into Teams using their existing Skype credentials on any supported device. The feature will then gradually be made available to all Skype users.

Microsoft initially acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, with the aim of integrating it into its broader communication strategy. However, as the landscape of remote work and digital collaboration has shifted, Teams has emerged as a more comprehensive solution, offering a wide range of features that extend beyond basic messaging and calling.

Skype users can export data

For those who choose not to move to Teams, Microsoft is offering a way to export Skype data, such as chats, contacts, and call history. This ensures that users can retain their valuable information while transitioning to alternative communication platforms.

Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms, noted, “The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years. From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect with each other.” This sentiment reflects the broader shift towards more integrated platforms like Teams, which provide a more robust suite of tools for work, school, and personal use.

India key to Skype’s user base

India remains an important market for Skype, accounting for about 4.55% of its user base as of March 2024, according to Statista. Microsoft emphasized that Teams offers many of the core features that Skype users are familiar with, such as one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing, with additional benefits like meeting hosting, calendar management, and community-building capabilities—all available for free.

Teams has experienced significant growth, with consumer usage increasing fourfold in the last two years, reinforcing its position as the go-to platform for communication and collaboration in both professional and personal settings.