Microsoft Shutting Down Messenger, Skype Replacement

By: Umair Yousuf  |   January 10th, 2013   |   Mobile Apps, Smartphones, Tablets

It is the end of an era for Windows Messenger users after Microsoft revealed in mass emails to its estimated 100 million users that the popular instant messaging platform will close down while the users will be fully transitioned to Skype.

 

Users need not fret about creating new accounts or re-adding their contacts as Microsoft will deliver a seamless transition. Messenger users will just need to download Skype and log in with their messenger user IDs to find all their contacts waiting for them in addition to the many new capabilities Skype offers.

 

This is part of Microsoft’s goal to close down side offerings that directly compete with its flagship products with the technology giant clearly positioning itself for the rising mobile era. Skype is available on all platforms while it is highly mobile friendly making it one of the most popular Voice over IP services available.

 

An official Microsoft blog post in November, from Skype Division President Tony Bates, revealed that the technology giant was seeking to shut down messenger and replace it with Skype, which the company acquired in 2011 for a whopping $ 8.5 billion. No date was revealed for the proposed shut down but now messenger users have till March 15 to familiarise themselves with Skype.

 

The transition will add messenger’s 100 million users to Skype’s existing 600 million users further increasing the use of the VoIP application. Messenger users will also be pleased with the new features that allow them to remain connected with their contacts on the go.

 

Microsoft in its email to messenger users wrote:

 

“On 15th March 2013 we are retiring the existing Messenger service globally (except for mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available) and bringing the great features of Messenger and Skype together.”

 

So if you are living outside mainland China it is time to move on to Skype which will deliver the same instant messaging services in addition to the many additional features.

 

Source: eWeek.com