Microsoft to Shut Down Skype After 20 Years
Microsoft has announced plans to shut down Skype on May 5, marking the end of a 20-year journey for the once-pioneering internet communications platform.
This may be the perfect time to re-evaluate your internal comms tools.
Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized online communication by enabling free audio and video calls worldwide. The platform quickly gained popularity, amassing hundreds of millions of users and even becoming a verb — people would often say they would “Skype” someone.
The Rise and Fall of Skype
Founded by Swede Niklas Zennström and Dane Janus Friis, with software developed by Estonians Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, Jaan Tallinn, and Toivo Annus, Skype was initially based in Luxembourg. Its innovative approach to online communication made it a household name in the early 2000s.
In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, outbidding tech giants like Google and Facebook. At the time, Skype had around 150 million active users. However, by 2020, the user base had dropped to 23 million, though the platform experienced a temporary resurgence during the pandemic.
Decline Amid Growing Competition
Microsoft faced challenges integrating Skype into its ecosystem. In 2017, the company launched Teams, a collaboration platform, which gradually overshadowed Skype. Additionally, growing competition from Apple’s FaceTime, Google’s communication apps, Zoom, and Salesforce-owned Slack further diminished Skype’s prominence.
Transition to Teams
Microsoft confirmed that Skype users will be transitioned to Teams, with all chats and contacts migrating automatically. The company emphasized that there would be no job losses resulting from the shutdown and highlighted Teams’ growing popularity, which currently boasts 320 million monthly active users.
While Microsoft did not disclose Skype’s current user count, the company stated that it remains committed to supporting seamless communication through Teams. This shift signifies the end of an era for Skype but reinforces Microsoft’s focus on integrating advanced communication tools into its product suite.
The closure of Skype marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in internet communication, as users transition to more modern, collaborative platforms like Slack.
There are many alternatives to Skype, including Viber, Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jitsi, WhatsA[[, Google Meet, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts. For sending video messages check out Marco Polo.
Features
- Viber: Similar to Skype, Viber offers VoIP, instant messaging, and file transfers.
- Zoom: Good for large businesses, Zoom offers advanced features like meetings for up to 1,000 people.
- Microsoft Teams: Offers core features like messaging, file sharing, one-on-one and group calls, plus meeting hosting and calendar management.
- Jitsi: An open-source option that encrypts all calls and chats.
- WhatsApp: Offers text messaging, voice and video calls, group chat, and end-to-end encryption.
- Slack: Integrates with other apps and brings together teams, tools, and workflows.
- Google Meet: Offers video meetings, phone calls, and instant messaging.
- FaceTime: Offers a video-calling experience with picture-in-picture view.
Other considerations
- Google Hangouts: A VoIP service that doesn’t require software downloads or app installations. You can sign up with your Gmail account.
Learn how Slack elevates team performance here
Learn how Slack integrates with Salesforce here
To migrate to Salesforce Slack, or discuss your options, contact Tectonic today.
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