Farewell to Skype after 15 years of connecting the world through video calls: this was its story
Its role as a pioneer in video calls was key to a digital era that now feels ordinary but began with an improbable idea. For two decades, Skype was synonymous with connection. Long before Zoom, WhatsApp, or Google Meet existed, this application allowed millions of people to see and hear each other over the internet.
Today, as the calendar moves forward without an exact date announced, Microsoft is preparing to shut down the service permanently at some point in May—a farewell window marking the end of one of the most important chapters in the history of digital communication.
The story of Skype began in 2003, during the heyday of peer-to-peer file sharing. Janus Friis and Niklas Zennström, known for their work on Kazaa, set out to transform P2P networks into a tool to replace the telephone.
With the help of three Estonian programmers—Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn—the first version of the software was born, allowing free voice calls from a computer with internet access. The name, derived from “Sky Peer-to-Peer,” had to be shortened to “Skype” for web domain reasons. It was the start of a revolution.
The story of Skype began in 2003, during the heyday of peer-to-peer file sharing. Janus Friis and Niklas Zennström, known for their work on Kazaa, set out to transform P2P networks into a tool to replace the telephone.
The precursor of video calls
Skype’s growth was impressive. In a short time, millions of users adopted the tool as a regular way to communicate with family, friends, and colleagues around the world. The secret to its success lay not only in its free use, but also in the quality of its transmission, based on VoIP technology.
It also offered additional features such as instant messaging, video calls, voicemail, SMS messaging, and calls to landlines at reduced rates.
By 2012, Skype accounted for 34% of all international calls worldwide. The impact was so significant that, in 2005, eBay purchased the company for $2.6 billion. Despite technical improvements and expansion to platforms like Mac, the service went through internal conflicts, leadership changes, and disagreements with its founders.
Finally, in 2009, Silver Lake Partners acquired the majority of the company. Shortly afterward, in 2011, Microsoft bought all shares for $8.5 billion.
By 2012, Skype accounted for 34% of all international calls worldwide.
The beginning of the end
With Microsoft’s acquisition, Skype replaced Windows Live Messenger and was integrated as the official solution for digital communications. For several years, it remained relevant, especially in business and educational settings.
However, the unstoppable rise of mobile phones and the appearance of lighter, more functional apps led to its decline. WhatsApp, Telegram, Zoom, Meet, and even Microsoft Teams surpassed it in usability and presence.
The mobile version of Skype never achieved the impact of its desktop counterpart. Its size, interface, and battery consumption made it an unattractive option for new users. In response, Microsoft decided to consolidate all its communication tools into Teams—a platform initially aimed at the corporate world, but which now also handles casual messaging.
Beyond its shutdown, Skype leaves an indelible mark. It didn’t just anticipate the video calling era—it taught entire generations how to communicate online with ease. Its story is that of a visionary idea that marked a before and after in the way we interact. And although it has been surpassed by more modern platforms, its legacy lives on in every virtual conversation we now take for granted.
Links
- Skype is retiring in May 2025: What you need to know – Microsoft Support
- Sell your Microsoft device online – iGotOffer
- Everything About Microsoft’s Products – The complete guide to all Microsoft consumer electronic products, including technical specifications, identifiers and other valuable information.
Skype is shutting down after launching in 2003 [Video]
Video uploaded by CBS News on May 5, 2025.
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