Microsoft Merges Skype and Messenger
Microsoft Merges Skype and Messenger by UCStrategies Staff
Microsoft has announced that in 2013 it will close down operations of its Windows Live Messenger and replace it with Skype, which already has the ability to import contacts from Messenger. Messenger will remain available only in mainland China.
According to a recent blog post, the forthcoming migration will leave customers that wish to continue using Messenger no choice but to move to Skype. Enterprise users of instant messaging will still be able to use Microsoft's Lync, though Lync-Skype federation is coming in the future.
“Our goal remains to deliver the best communications experience for everyone, everywhere. We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience. We will retire Messenger in all countries worldwide in the first quarter of 2013 (with the exception of mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available),” according to the post.
According to the Chinese website Sina Tech, although Microsoft owns Skype and Messenger, in China the two services are offered through joint local companies. Plans to merge the two services and withdraw Messenger from China may adversely affect the structure of both enterprises.
At the end of October 2012, a Skype spokesperson admitted that Skype was likely to replace Messenger in the future, but declined to give a timeline. Around the same time, Skype started testing new Windows and Mac beta releases that permitted users to log in using their Windows Live ID, to enable them to send and receive instant messages and see who was using Messenger.
Once Messenger users make the migration to Skype, they will also be able to use Skype’s landline calling capabilities, screen sharing, and video calling to mobile phones and with Group Calling and Facebook friends as well as instant messaging. Skype aims to convince users to keep Skype running on their devices all day long and to go straight to chat upon signing in.
In a blog post, Skype president Tony Bates said that plenty of support will be available to Messenger users who switch to Skype, and that they will also benefit greatly from video calls from mobile phones and screen sharing.
“We will work with you over the next few months to help you transition and offer information and help along the way,” Bates said.
Microsoft developers have also said that they intend to make Skype function better with Outlook.com than Messenger ever did. (CU) Link