As one of the first apps for making calls over the Internet, Skype is set to shut down in May after 22 years of service. This was confirmed in their post, adding that those currently using Skype can sign in using Microsoft Teams free instead and “stay connected with all your chats and contacts.”

With Teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free,” they explained in their post.

While it was the pioneer of internet calls, Skype has faded in popularity in recent years, facing competition from Zoom and Google Meets during the pandemic. Aside from that, there are plenty of alternatives in the market like WhatsApp, Viber, and FaceTime to name a few.

Launched back in 2003, its main selling point was the ability to make free calls worldwide through an internet connection. This was a game-changer back then, as international calls were expensive. At its peak, eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion but sold 65% of its stake to an investor group in 2009. Microsoft purchased Skype for $8.5 billion in May 2011 and integrated it into its products like Office and Windows Phone.