The application will close down in May, as Microsoft will “streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs,” said Jeff Teper, president of collaborative apps and platforms at Microsoft.
“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 transformed how we connect with each other.”
Skype users will be able to move their accounts to the Teams app for free, where they will have access to many of the same features, Microsoft noted. If users choose not to migrate to Teams, they will also have the option to export their Skype data.
“Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey,” Teper said.
“We also understand that change can be challenging and want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way,” he continued. “We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways.”
Skype was founded in 2003 by Swede Niklas Zennström and Dane Janus Friis. Its initial code was written by Estonians Jaan Tallinn, Ahti Heinla, and Priit Kasesalu.
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In 2005, Skype was first acquired by eBay for $2.6 billion. In 2009, eBay sold 70% of Skype for $2.75 billion to a group of investors called Silver Lake, which included some of Skype’s co-founders. eBay and Silver Lake then sold it to Microsoft for $8.5 billion in 2011.Skype has been a landmark for Estonia. Skype was the first startup company to be run by Estonian engineers and developers – the so-called Skype mafia – and which grew into a billion-dollar business. Many of the Estonian leaders of today's successful startups and technology companies gained experience working for Skype. Some of them reinvested the proceeds from the sale of Skype Technologies OÜ in subsequent Estonian startups.
