Navigating the Shutdown of Skype

By: Rukudzo Sithole & Lisakhanya Tali

As the times change, the digital platforms continue to evolve. People using digital applications are no strangers to the rise and fall of popular digital apps. On 5 May 2025, Microsoft bid farewell to Skype, a pioneering video calling service that was a staple in the lives of millions for 23 years. Skype’s shutdown left many users wondering about the impact on their communication habits and what alternatives Microsoft offers to bridge the gap.

A Picture of Skype Becoming Microsoft Teams. Photo by: Cyber Security News

Microsoft is retiring Skype and focusing on Microsoft Teams, a more advanced communication and collaboration platform, due to Skype's declining popularity and Teams' growing traction and advanced features. For nearly two and a half decades, Skype has been a trusted platform for personal and professional video calls. Users relied on its services to stay connected with loved ones, colleagues, and friends across the globe. Skype’s sudden discontinuation raised concerns about the disruption of these connections and the potential loss of cherished memories and contacts.

In anticipation of the shutdown, Microsoft guided users to transition to alternative platforms. According to Microsoft's official support page, "users can explore other Microsoft services that offer similar core features and functionality." This move aimed to ensure a seamless transition for users who have grown accustomed to Skype's video calling services. Microsoft has offered alternatives such as Microsoft Teams, a platform for team collaboration and communication involving video conferencing features. Zoom, a widely used video conferencing platform. Other third-party video calling services, such as Google Meet, Discord, or FaceTime, may also work.

Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet offer various benefits. Zoom and Google Meet stand out with their superior video quality, featuring high-definition video and automatic adjustments for optimal performance. Microsoft Teams excels in collaboration, providing persistent chat, file co-authoring, and numerous app integrations. All three platforms offer robust collaboration features, including screen sharing and real-time co-authoring.

In terms of security, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet boast advanced features like end-to-end encryption and enterprise-grade security. Zoom has significantly improved security, although past concerns still linger. When it comes to ease of use, Zoom and Google Meet are known for their user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to join or start meetings. Microsoft Teams has a more complex interface due to its integration with Microsoft 365.

Scalability, which is a platform's ability to handle increased load, usage, or demand without compromising performance, also varies across platforms. Zoom can host up to 1,000 participants and supports large webinars with up to 10,000 attendees. Google Meet and Microsoft Teams can accommodate up to 250 participants. Ultimately, the choice of platform depends on specific needs, with each excelling in different areas. By understanding these differences, users can select the best platform for their collaboration and communication requirements.

Skype App on a Phone in front of a Microsoft Sign. Photo by: timesapplaud.com

The shutdown of Skype serves as a reminder that even the most popular applications can come to an end. This phenomenon highlights the importance of staying informed about the ever-changing digital landscape. As users or customers, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and benefits mentioned above that are associated with our digital choices and the applications. The decision to retire Skype aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to streamline its communication tools and focus on integrating features into Microsoft Teams, which has seen significant growth since the pandemic. This move also reflects shifting user preferences toward more unified, collaboration-centric platforms.