Microsoft Messenger off March 15, 2013 in favor of Skype

After twelve years of existence, Messenger, instant messaging service of  Microsoft will not be operational from 15 March 2013, except China. Users are advised to switch to Skype.

Microsoft has confirmed that its instant messaging service shut its doors March 15, 2013. From this date, all users are encouraged to switch to Skype, VOIP service that Redmond company acquired in May 2011 for  8.5 $ billion.

So after 12 years of existence, Messenger will no longer be operational in only 66 days. It will continue to operate in mainland China, mainly because Skype is used there by TOM, a local supplier.

Users can already install Skype 6.0 for recovering their Messenger contacts and communicate via instant messaging service VOIP.