So, you’re a business who is currently using Skype for all your communications and internal team collaboration.
You’ve read the news and seen that Microsoft has announced that as of May 5, 2025, Skype will no longer be in service.
So… what now?
What next steps does your business take?
How do you switch from Skype to another platform easily?
Who can help your business transition away from Skype?
Let’s dive into the next steps for the Skype shutdown, and explore the possibility that this may in fact be a positive step for businesses looking to the future.
Skype Shutdown 2025
If you are one of the many businesses that were still utilising and benefiting from Skype in 2025, you are now going to be faced with something that many people, and companies alike, hate. Change.
However, this blog is here to help alleviate your concerns. Whilst the Skype shutdown is sad news for such a historical application used in the last couple of decades, it can actually bring in a positive result for your business operations as we look ahead to adapt to the changes inbound.
Microsoft 365, and more specifically, Microsoft Teams, is the modern solution, packed with advancements in technology, cybersecurity and an enhanced focus on efficiency in the workplace. Let’s take a closer look into the history of Skype, what the Skype shutdown means for businesses still using the platform, and how Microsoft 365 can assist your present and future needs.
What is Happening with the Skype Shutdown?
When Microsoft bought Skype in 2011, reports showed that the application had approximately 150 million monthly users. By 2020, around the same time as the COVID pandemic, which actually caused a minor resurgence in activity, this number had fallen to around 23 million.
This, alongside the substantial success seen with Microsoft Teams, has led to the end of Skype, scheduled for May 5, 2025. As Microsoft stated in a blog post titled “The next chapter: Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams“:
“In order to streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs, we will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub.
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. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free.”
How to Change from Skype to Teams
Thankfully, Microsoft has seemingly planned ahead for the need for Skype users and businesses to continue with their daily operations without interruption. Although proceeding with the Skype shutdown, they have provided the necessary steps required to seamlessly switch to Microsoft Teams, if the users so wish to.
Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, explained in an interview about the Skype Shutdown that “We felt like now is the time because we can be simpler for the market, for our customer base, and we can deliver more innovation faster just by being focused on Teams.”
This showcases the reasoning and logic behind the move, as well as just how more efficient life on Microsoft Teams is intended to be. For businesses currently using Skype, Microsoft has facilitated a smooth transition to Teams. Users can log into Microsoft Teams using their existing Skype credentials, with chats and contacts automatically migrating to the new platform. This ensures continuity and minimises the potential for disruptions during the transition period.
Why the Skype Shutdown has the Potential to be Positive for Businesses
Whilst the Skype shutdown does admittedly feel like the end of an era in a way, it also has the potential to be the start of a newer, improved one. Embracing Microsoft 365 and Teams offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond just replacing Skype as your business’ primary communication tool.
Comprehensive Suite of Tools
Microsoft 365 provides a rich array of applications designed to cater to various business needs. From Outlook for email management to Excel for data analysis, and SharePoint for document management, the suite offers tools that are essential for daily operations. The integration of these applications within a single ecosystem ensures a seamless workflow, enhancing efficiency and collaboration among team members.
Cost-Effectiveness
By consolidating multiple services into one subscription, businesses can achieve significant cost savings. Instead of managing separate licenses for email, storage, and communication tools, Microsoft 365 offers these services under one umbrella. This not only reduces licensing costs but also simplifies IT management, allowing your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative tasks.
Scalability
Whether you’re a small startup or a large business, Microsoft 365 scales to meet your needs. With various plans and add-ons available, businesses can customise their subscriptions to include only the services they require. As your organisation grows, you can easily upgrade your plan to incorporate additional features, ensuring that your tools evolve alongside your business.
The Cybersecurity Advantages of Microsoft 365
Today more than ever, cybersecurity is an extreme concern for businesses of all sizes. With the Skype Shutdown inbound, it is worth looking into Microsoft 365, who offers robust cybersecurity features designed to protect your data and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
Built-In Cybersecurity Features
Microsoft 365 comes equipped with enterprise-grade security measures, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods. Additionally, the platform offers anti-phishing, anti-spam, and anti-malware protection to safeguard your email communications from potential threats.
Compliance and Data Protection
For businesses operating in regulated industries, compliance is non-negotiable. Microsoft 365 assists in meeting these requirements through features like data loss prevention (DLP), which prevents sensitive information from being shared inadvertently, and information protection policies that classify and protect data based on its sensitivity. These tools help ensure that your business adheres to compliance and regulatory standards, avoiding potential fines and reputational damage.
Regular Security Updates
Microsoft is committed to maintaining the security of its services. The company regularly releases updates and patches to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. By using Microsoft 365, businesses benefit from these continuous improvements, ensuring that their IT systems are protected against the latest cyber threats.
How Adept IT Solutions can Assist with the Skype Shutdown
The experienced team here at Adept IT Solutions have extensive knowledge and experience working with Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Teams in particular. If your business is still currently using Skype as a primary communication medium, contact us today and let us help you get switched over, and start benefiting from the Microsoft ecosystem.
With the Skype Shutdown, the last thing your business needs is to be caught out. Ahead of the shutdown date, May 5th, 2025, ensure that your organisation is prepared and ready to continue daily operations without any concern.
You can get in touch with Adept IT Solution’s experienced team via phone at 1300 423 378 or simply email us at info@adept-it.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you, and ensuring your business continues in a world post-Skype!
