SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft is finally hanging up on its longtime calling and messaging app Skype, which it acquired 14 years ago, signifying the end of an era for one of the oldest internet communications apps.
For users, Skype will go offline May 5, when Microsoft replaces it with a free version of Microsoft Teams. Teams has been Microsoft’s chosen successor for years, offering the same kinds of video calls and group meetings.
“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,” Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, said in a statement.
As part of the move, Microsoft will not lay off any employees who worked on the app, a spokesperson said.
Skype users will be able to transfer old account data to their new Teams account, including old chats and contacts, according to a company blog post.