Microsoft has announced the impending closure of Skype, the video-calling platform it acquired for $8.5 billion in 2011, which played a significant role in reshaping online communication. The company revealed that Skype will cease operations in May, with plans to migrate some of its features to Microsoft Teams, its primary platform for video conferencing and team collaboration. Users of Skype will be able to transfer their existing accounts to Teams as part of this transition. Over the years, Microsoft has increasingly favored Teams over Skype, and this latest move underscores the company's strategy to consolidate its communication tools in response to growing competition in the market. Skype, founded in 2003 by a group of engineers in Estonia, was a trailblazer in utilizing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, allowing users to make phone calls via the internet rather than traditional landlines. The platform later incorporated video calling features after being acquired by eBay in 2005. The introduction of Skype democratized access to high-quality video communication, enabling a wider audience to engage in virtual conversations. This technological advancement meant that individuals no longer needed to be high-ranking executives in large corporations to experience effective video communications. Skype's capabilities brought people closer together, allowing for affordable and sometimes free international calls. By 2011, when Microsoft took over the platform, Skype boasted approximately 170 million users globally. The acquisition was marked by significant optimism, with the then-CEO highlighting Skype's prominence as a brand synonymous with both video and voice communications. In 2017, Skype was still regarded as a relevant technology, being utilized by the Trump administration during press briefings to communicate with journalists located far from the White House. However, in the same year, Microsoft introduced Teams, aiming to compete with the rising demand for workplace communication solutions, particularly in light of the popularity of Slack Technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work, leading to a surge in the usage of platforms like Teams and Zoom. As a result, while Skype had previously been at the forefront of video communication, its relevance began to diminish as newer services gained traction. Despite its decline, Skype laid the groundwork for the evolution of remote communication, enhancing the ability of users to maintain relationships and collaborate effectively from a distance. The advancements in media quality facilitated by Skype contributed to stronger interpersonal connections and improved problem-solving capabilities among teams. The platform's legacy is a testament to its revolutionary impact, making reliable communication accessible to anyone with a decent internet connection. As Microsoft prepares to retire Skype, the company aims to streamline its communication offerings and focus on Teams, which has become integral to many organizations' workflows. This transition marks a significant moment in the history of digital communication, as the technology continues to evolve in response to user needs and market dynamics.