For decades, Skype has been the go-to online communication platform for businesses and individual users.
Known for its steady and clear text, voice and video calling services, Skype has been used by millions of users worldwide.
However, the Skype era has come to an end, and this iconic platform is set to be discontinued on 5 May 2025, as Microsoft attempts to guide users towards its more modern communication tool, Microsoft Teams (the free version that is).
Why the Shutdown?
Microsoft says that it is retiring Skype as a part of its broader strategy to streamline its communication platforms and align with the growing demand for unified digital collaboration tools.
Basically, this means their goal is to create a more comprehensive and probably more organised and pleasant digital communication experience for both personal and business users.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Skype has had plenty of tough competition in recent years and while for many, especially those in the younger generation, Skype might be considered quite outdated, in 2023 there was reported to be about 300 million daily users.
For those businesses still relying on Skype, they now have one of two options; move over to Microsoft Teams or find an appropriate alternative communication platform.
To make the switch a little less painful, Microsoft has created a straightforward migration process for Skype users switching to Teams, allowing users to sign into Teams using their existing Skype login details.
This process automatically transfers contacts, message history, and call logs, making the shift as painless as possible.
Those who want to move to other platforms can export their Skype data including messages, contacts, and media files, all of which will remain available for download until January 2026.
If you are planning to move to Teams, this is all you need to do:
- Download Microsoft Teams from the official website.
- Sign in using your Skype account logins.
- Watch as your contacts and chat history automatically sync to Teams.
Once you are set up, you can get acquainted with the new platform’s features, which include video conferencing, group chats, and file sharing. Moving from Skype to Teams will take some getting used to as the layout is rather different.
Microsoft has confirmed that communication between Skype and Teams users will remain possible during the transition period, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting your existing conversations.
Exporting Skype Data
For those wishing to have a record of their Skype communications, exporting the data is also a straightforward process, simply:
- Visit the Skype Export Page and sign in.
- Select the type of data you wish to download, such as conversations or files.
- Submit your request and return later to download the export once it becomes available.
To export contacts, you can go to the My Account page on Skype, select Settings and Preferences, and then choose Export Contacts (.csv) and download your contacts.
The Future of Business Communication
While the retirement of Skype may be a nostalgic moment for many, Microsoft remains committed to supporting users throughout this transition.
Jeff Teper, President of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, acknowledged Skype’s legacy, saying, “Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications… we are honoured to have been part of the journey.”
As the countdown to May 2025 begins, business owners are encouraged to act sooner rather than later.
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