Have you heard the latest buzz in town?
Psst: Microsoft is retiring Skype after 22 long years of its existence!
What!-but why?
The news of Microsoft closing Skype came as a shocker to many but why is it not so surprising? Why did Skype fail? To answer this question, let’s go back in time when Skype was generating some excitement.
The genesis of Skype
Skype, a telecommunications application best known for its video-telephone, voice calls and video conferencing features has been in use since 2003. Ownership changed several hands before finally landing in Microsoft’s lap in 2011.
So, why did Microsoft acquire Skype when it already had Voice over Internet Protocol applications, including Windows Live Messenger, built into its programs? Well, Skype was trending back then. In fact, the word became a verb! “Will Skype you tonight!” was gaining traction and Microsoft just didn’t want to be left behind. Well, that’s why Microsoft acquired Skype!
Skype’s journey with Microsoft
Under Microsoft’s wings, Skype didn’t quite build hype. Microsoft tried to revamp the application by redesigning the UI/UX interface and also including a host of new features borrowed from various other trending apps at the time. What Microsoft forgot to concentrate on, was the video calling quality, the core of Skype’s existence. Video quality on the app fumbled, leaving negative reviews on app stores that marked the beginning of the end for Skype.
The Downfall and Its Inevitable End
With failing video quality, negative reviews, and subpar execution, Skype’s end date was nearing. At the same time, smaller but more confident apps were brewing in the background and starting to show signs of emerging sprouts. Zoom, for one, quickly took advantage of Skype’s plummeting fate. It rapidly added features and also improved video quality to emerge as the top alternative to the declining Skype fan base.
When 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Microsoft lost what should have been an easy win. With almost 20 years in the business, Skype could have naturally dominated as the top choice for schools and businesses to communicate during the lockdown. Unfortunately, Skype drifted into the shadows, giving way to a much younger Zoom that, by then, proved itself as a quality video-calling application.
Skype’s end date
Microsoft or any giant technology conglomerate will run an application as long as it makes money. A loss-making venture will be quickly identified and dealt with severely. Microsoft retiring Skype is as severe as it gets. From May 2025, you will no longer see Skype.
What’s next for Microsoft?
Microsoft is not one to be left out. Although Microsoft is closing Skype, Microsoft Teams is what’s in store for users. While Microsoft Teams is more a response to Slack, a cloud-based communications platform, it boasts superior features and also access to Skype’s core functionalities -only bolder and better!
A bit about Microsoft Teams
Teams have already created a significant user base with millions already adopting the technology for everyday communication and collaboration. Microsoft Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, building communities, and also managing calendars. Skype users can move to Microsoft Teams for free. What’s more? Users can log on to Teams with Skype credentials, thereby facilitating a seamless transition.
However, Skype account holders who do not wish to transition to Microsoft Teams can export their data including call history, chats, and contacts.
As Microsoft shuts down Skype and May 2025 approaches, we’ll see whether Microsoft Teams truly lives up to its promise Teams. Only time will tell!
