Skype, internet-based phone and video service that soared to popularity in the 2000s, is shutting down.
Microsoft, Skype’s parent company, announced the news on X, saying the service will “no longer be available” to use starting in May. Skype users will be able to use their log-in information on Microsoft Teams.
Skype’s shutdown comes 14 years after Microsoft bought the service for $8.5 billion in cash, marking the company’s largest ever acquisition at the time, reports CNN.
“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,” Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, said 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.”
What to know before Skype shuts down
Skype account holders can transition to Microsoft Teams for free by logging in using their Skype credentials, reports Newsweek. Users can download Teams from the official Microsoft Teams website and sign in using their Skype credentials through May 5.
Skype users who would like a record of their communications or contacts can export their data.