After more than two decades of revolutionising global communication, Microsoft has announced the official shutdown of Skype, bringing an end to one of the most iconic platforms in internet history.
Launched in 2003 by a group of Estonian developers, Skype quickly rose to prominence as a pioneer in voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology, allowing users to make free audio and video calls over the internet. At its peak, Skype boasted hundreds of millions of users worldwide and became synonymous with internet calling.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion and integrated it into its suite of communication tools. For years, Skype remained a household name, used for personal calls, business meetings, remote education, and even international diplomacy.
However, in recent years, Skype saw a steep decline in usage as more modern, integrated platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams gained popularity especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Microsoft itself began shifting its focus to Teams, embedding video conferencing, messaging, and collaboration features into a single platform.
In a statement, Microsoft said the decision to retire Skype was based on “evolving communication needs” and a desire to streamline its digital communication offerings. The company assured users that support would be provided during the transition and that user data could be exported before the final shutdown date.
Tech analysts say Skype’s exit marks the end of an era. Once a lifeline for families separated by borders and a staple for international businesses, Skype’s legacy lies in how it reshaped the way the world communicated long before the age of remote work became mainstream.
As the platform goes offline, millions are left reminiscing about the familiar ringtone, pixelated video calls, and the early taste of a borderless digital world that Skype helped usher in.
