Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Providers
Microsoft has introduced that it’s shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling companies on Could 5, 2025.
The service, which was acquired 14 years in the past for $8.5 billion, is being retired in favor of Microsoft Groups — which the corporate mentioned already consists of most of Skype’s options. “With Groups, customers have entry to lots of the similar core options they use in Skype, corresponding to one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing,” mentioned Jeff Teper, president for Microsoft’s Collaborative Apps and Platforms division, in a blog post. “Moreover, Groups provides enhanced options like internet hosting conferences, managing calendars, and constructing and becoming a member of communities free of charge.”
Paid Skype options, together with Skype Credit score and cellphone name subscriptions, will no longer be accessible. Present subscribers can proceed utilizing their present Skype Credit score and subscriptions till the tip of their subsequent renewal interval, the corporate confirmed. Customers with remaining Skype Credit score will nonetheless be capable to use their steadiness till the service formally shuts down.
Microsoft mentioned these who haven’t made the bounce from Skype to Groups can accomplish that by logging into the newer service with their Skype credentials. Conversations and contacts will routinely switch. Earlier than Skype formally shuts down, Groups customers might be in a position to talk with these nonetheless on Skype, and vice versa.
For these that don’t want to migrate to Groups, Microsoft is providing the power to export their contact and chat information earlier than the service is halted in early Could.
Skype for Enterprise On-line, which turned redundant with the introduction of Microsoft Groups, shut down in 2021. Microsoft’s earlier two on-premises variations, Skype for Enterprise Server 2016 and Skype for Enterprise Server 2019, will lose support this October. They are going to be changed by Skype for Business Server SE, though Microsoft recommends that enterprise customers additionally make the bounce to Groups.
