Overview

• Skype, founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis with an Estonian development team, revolutionized global communication with free calls and affordable connections.
• Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into its ecosystem but later prioritizing Microsoft Teams, launched in 2017.
• The service faced increasing competition from modern platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, which offered more advanced features and user-friendly interfaces.
• Microsoft announced Skype's discontinuation in February 2025, and the platform was officially shut down on May 5, 2025, after a 22-year run.
• Users are now being directed to Microsoft Teams, which will serve as the company's primary communication platform moving forward.