ref=”dofollow” data-ga-onclick=”Inarticle articleshow link click#Tech#href” href=”https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/microsoft” target=”_blank”>Microsoft data-ga-onclick=”Inarticle articleshow link click#Tech#href” href=”https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/skypes-final-call-set-for-may-as-microsoft-prioritizes-teams/articleshow/118631604.cms” target=”_blank”>will retire Skype by May 2025, marking the end of a service that once dominated online communication. The decision reflects changing user preferences and competition from other platforms.
Rise and acquisitions
- Launched in 2003, Skype quickly gained traction with free voice calls over the internet.
- By 2005, it had 50 million users.
- eBay acquired it for $2.6 billion but failed to integrate it.
- A consortium including Andreessen Horowitz and technology investor Silver Lake took over Skype in 2009.
- In 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5 billion,…
