Microsoft has officially deprecated Skype, a popular platform for sending calls and messages and redirecting teams.
Microsoft will close the application in May as Microsoft “can “adjust easily to meet the needs of its customers,” said Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft, who said “to streamline the provision of free consumer communications.”
“The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years,” Teper added in a press release. “From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously changed the way we connect with each other.”
Skype users will now be able to move their accounts to the Teams app for free, and access many of the same features, Microsoft said. If users choose not to migrate to teams, there is also the option to export Skype data.
During the migration, Skype and team users can chat and make calls with each other.
“Skype is an integral part of shaping modern communication and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of our journey,” says Teper.
“We also understand that change can be challenging and want you to know that we are here to support you at every stage,” he continued. “We are excited by the new opportunities our team will bring and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways.”
The 21-year-old internet communications platform, which gained fame in the early 2000s, was acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in 2011, but is increasingly struggling to compete with new participants in communications fields such as Zoom, which grew popular during the Covid-19 pandemic.
