Microsoft confirms switch from Messenger to Skype
updated 04:13 pm EST, Tue November 6, 2012
Microsoft says move will allow broader device support
Microsoft today confirmed rumors it was preparing to retire its Windows Live Messenger service in favor of Skype. Starting early next year, Microsoft will begin migrating Windows Live Messenger users to Skype, which the software giant purchased last year for $8.5 billion. Microsoft says that the move will allow the software giant to provide broader device support on all platforms for instant messaging, land and mobile calls, and video calls.
The news today was confirmed by AllThingsD. Earlier reports emerged yesterday, with multiple sources indicating that the Messenger service was on its way out.
Microsoft has been allowing Skype users to log in with their Windows Live Messenger accounts for some time now, as well as with their Facebook accounts. It has been reported that nearly 80 percent of Skype instant messages were handled by Messenger as Microsoft migrated more developers and programmers to the Messenger backend for Skype.
