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Skype

Range: 2-100 discontinued Effective: Aug 29, 2003 Vendor: Microsoft Official source
Historical free service: Discontinued Consumer Skype retired 2025-05-05 *Note: Historical capabilities below describe the retired consumer Skype service.*:

Features Covered

Video Conferencing Screen Sharing Recording and Transcription Chat and Messaging

Timeline

MilestoneDateNotes
LaunchAug 29, 2003Peer-to-peer VoIP and messaging application
eBay acquisitionSep 12, 2005Acquired by eBay for $2.6 billion
Microsoft acquisitionMay 10, 2011Acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion
Skype for Business launchApr 14, 2015Enterprise version replacing Microsoft Lync
Skype for Business retiredJul 31, 2021Enterprise users migrated to Microsoft Teams
Consumer Skype retiredMay 5, 2025Consumer service retired; users directed to Microsoft Teams Free

Provisions (5)

Video Conferencing

Implements: Video Conferencing discontinued Effective: Aug 29, 2003
Skype pioneered consumer video calling but now operates in limited maintenance mode as Microsoft focuses on Teams.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Participant limitUp to 100 participants in group calls
Video qualityHD video calling
LayoutGrid view for group calls
Sources: Skype

Screen Sharing

Implements: Screen Sharing discontinued Effective: Jan 1, 2010
Skype screen sharing remains functional for consumer use but lacks the advanced controls found in Teams.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Sharing optionsFull screen sharing during calls
Audio sharingSystem audio can be shared on some platforms
AvailabilityDesktop and mobile screen sharing
Sources: Skype

Recording and Transcription

Implements: Recording discontinued Effective: Sep 1, 2018
Skype call recording stores clips in the cloud for 30 days, after which they must be downloaded to preserve.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Cloud recordingCall recording saved to Skype chat for 30 days
DownloadRecordings can be downloaded as MP4
NotificationAll participants notified when recording starts
Sources: Skype

Chat and Messaging

Implements: Chat Messaging discontinued Effective: Aug 29, 2003
Skype messaging was a pioneer in consumer instant messaging and remains available for personal communication.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Instant messagingText chat with individuals and groups
File sharingSend files, photos, and documents in chat
Emoji and reactionsReactions and emoticons in conversations
Sources: Skype

Virtual Backgrounds

Implements: Virtual Backgrounds discontinued Effective: Jun 1, 2020
Skype added virtual backgrounds and blur during the 2020 remote work surge, borrowing features from Teams.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
Background imagesChoose from preset images or upload custom backgrounds
Background blurBlur background during video calls
PreviewPreview background before starting call
Sources: Skype

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