Skype was a proprietary telecommunications application operated by Skype Technologies, an acquired division of Microsoft, best known for IP-based videotelephony, videoconferencing and voice calls. It also had instant messaging, file transfer, debit-based calls to landline and mobile telephones (over traditional telephone networks), and other features. It was available on various desktop, mobile, and video game console platforms. [
1] Skype was present from 2003 until it was discontinued May 5, 2025.