Skype now has a final shutdown date (and an alternative solution)

BarcelonaSkype was founded in Estonia in 2003 and quickly became a success, pioneering simple, free video calling for everyday technology devices. After 21 years of operation, it will permanently close on May 5th and be integrated into Teams, Microsoft's team management and communication platform. Now, the multinational will focus entirely on this environment, after launching its personal version in 2020 as a collaboration app designed for hybrid work.

Microsoft has announced that the transition to Microsoft Teams is free, and that you can sign in with your existing Skype credentials. Both contacts and chats will be transferred automatically, and Skype will send notifications to inform you of the change. For users with questions, Microsoft has opened a page with step-by-step instructions for migrating to Teams and questions and answers for the application's closure process.

"Skype's user base grew at the start of the pandemic and has continued to grow ever since," Jeff Teper, president of collaborative applications and platforms at Microsoft 365, told the technology outlet. The Virgin, adding: "It hasn't dropped dramatically. It's been relatively stable for the past few years. We expect most Skype users to migrate, but we want to make sure customers know they're in control." Currently, there are many other alternatives for video calling beyond Microsoft Teams Free, such as Google Meet, Discord, Jitsi, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and even Telegram.

Teper has assured that the change will not involve firing anyone: "There is a single team, which is Microsoft Teams and Skype. Basically, it has evolved into a common team," he assured. "There will be no layoffs. This team will work to improve things, whether it be user functions or innovation."

Throughout its history, Skype has developed several key functions, such as calls to traditional telephones (SkypeOut) and receiving calls on your computer using an assigned number (SkypeIn), in addition to instant messaging and voicemail. With the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft, the multinational replaced the old Windows Live Messenger and integrated its functions into a single platform. Skype also had limited integration with Facebook, although it did not allow direct communication between users of the two platforms. However, it was criticized for privacy issues and the difficulties in permanently closing an account.

In a statement from Microsoft, the company thanked users and said goodbye to its application: "Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and has been a part of countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been a part of the journey. I'm excited about the new opportunities that Teams offers and are committed to staying connected in new and meaningful ways."