Tech Desk 
Mar 14, 2025
After a little over two decades, Microsoft is going to pull the plug on Skype, a trend-setter for the internet-based communication we heavily rely on nowadays.
Announcing the disontinuation of its revolutionary calling platform, Microsoft stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Skype will “no longer be available” to use starting May this year.
On the sidelines of a disheartening development, the tech giant assured active and frequent Skype users that their data, including profile credentials, will be seamlessly used on Microsoft Teams’ free tier in the “coming days.”
“Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey," said Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, in a blog post.
We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways,” he added.
Skype's closure comes 14 years after Microsoft bought it for $8.5 billion from a team of Astonian developers who designed the app in 2003. At the time, it was Microsoft's largest ever acquisition.
Into the platform's skyrocketing popularity, fade began adjusting after rival video-calling platforms like Zoom, Google Meet and Cisco Webex emerged on the horizon. Apps like Apple’s FaceTime and Meta’s WhatsApp also count as Skype's strong arch-rivals.
