Microsoft on 28 February that it would be “retiring” the video-calling and telecommunications app Skype in May. The company plans to “streamline” its free consumer communications offerings and to focus on Microsoft Teams instead.

“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,” Jeff Teper, president, collaborative apps and platforms at Microsoft wrote in a statement. “Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free.”

The company says that Skype users, “over the coming days,” will be able to log into Microsoft Teams for free using their Skype account, which will allow chats and contacts to automatically appear in the app. In the case that users choose not to migrate to Teams, they can export their chats, contacts, call history and other data. Skype will remain available until 5 May 2025.

Founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström, from Sweden, and Janus Friis, from Denmark, the Skype software was created by four Estonians: Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, Jaan Tallinn and Toivo Annus. Ebay in 2005 acquired Skype for $2.6bn. An investor group led by Silver Lake, Index Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in 2009 purchased a 65% stake in Skype Technologies from Ebay for approximately $1.9bn, with Ebay retaining the remaining 35%. for $8.5bn from the investor group led by Silver Lake. Skype is headquartered in Luxembourg City.