Skype, once a dominant force in online communication, is set to close in May, according to an announcement by its parent company, Microsoft. The video calling service, which had hundreds of millions of users worldwide, played a significant role in popularizing free computer-to-computer voice and video calls.
A Pioneer in Digital Communication
Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized the way people connected across the globe. Although not the first company to offer internet calling, its easy accessibility and free services made it a household name. In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion—its largest acquisition at the time—and integrated it into its ecosystem, including Xbox and Windows devices.
The Rise and Fall of Skype
For years, Skype was among the most visited websites and essential apps for personal and professional communication. However, competition from newer platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger began to diminish its relevance. A major redesign in 2017, which borrowed elements from Snapchat, was met with backlash from users who felt it was an unnecessary change.
Tech analyst Rachel Kaser described the update as “fixing something that was never broken,” reflecting the frustration of long-time Skype users. Meanwhile, Microsoft shifted focus to its other communication platform, Microsoft Teams, which gained massive traction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Microsoft Teams Takes Over
In June 2021, speculation grew that Skype’s days were numbered when Microsoft announced Windows 11 would integrate Teams by default, omitting Skype for the first time in years. This move solidified Microsoft’s strategy of prioritizing Teams over Skype. Now, with the official closure announcement, Skype users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams, where they can continue their conversations with existing contacts.
The End of an Era
With its shutdown scheduled for May, Skype’s departure marks the end of an era in digital communication. While it paved the way for modern video calling, its legacy will now live on through Microsoft’s newer technologies.
