Skype’s shutdown leaves an annoying sound in our heads forever

With so many Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) now in existence, it is normal to see some struggle. Over the years, as more people began utilizing the internet, Skype has been on the wrong side of this. While famous in its early days, when video calls were new and fresh, the program became outdated. Now, almost 22 years after its launch, Microsoft has decided that it is no longer necessary.

Skype was released in 2003 and was heralded in its early years. As the program constantly grew over the years, it eventually was taken over by Microsoft in 2011. Over the years, as VoIP programs such as TeamSpeak, Discord, and Mumble began to rise, Skype fell further into the void. With constant problems, it was unlikely that Skype would ever come back.

With the release of Teams in 2017, Skype felt almost forgotten. As more features were removed from the application, it seemed obvious that it was doomed. But this was never quite communicated, so most went about their days simply forgetting about the program's existence.

Some 21 years later, Microsoft has finally decided to end the long plight of the program, as the move to integrate Teams into their releases. Microsoft seems to be giving people a choice, as they can simply move into Teams. Those who choose not to utilize Teams can simply export their message history, photographs, and contacts to take with them.

On May 5, Skype will be shut down, leaving current users with around two months before the service disappears. Although it has been a long, bumpy road for the application, it is unlikely that anyone will ever forget the original Skype call ringtone. That will be the legacy that it leaves behind – an annoying sound in the back of your head.

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