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Important Update: Skype is Retiring - Transition to Microsoft Teams for Seamless Communication

We have an important update for you regarding Skype. Microsoft has announced that Skype will be retiring on May 5, 2025, in order to focus more on its modern communications platform, Microsoft Teams. This shift aims to provide a more comprehensive, collaborative experience for users, and we want to ensure you're informed about how this transition will affect you.

Here's everything you need to know to smoothly transition from Skype to Microsoft Teams.

Why This Change is Happening

As part of Microsoft's efforts to streamline its communication services, Microsoft Teams will replace Skype as the primary platform for communication. For Acnode clients who currently use Skype, the good news is that many of the features you enjoy today will still be available within Teams. These include:

• 1:1 Calls and Group Calls
• Messaging
• File Sharing

Additionally, Teams brings more advanced capabilities, such as:

• Hosting meetings
• Managing calendars
• Building and joining communities

These features are available for free, ensuring that you remain connected and productive whether you're at work or at home.

What Does This Mean?

1. Start Using Teams for Free: You can begin using Microsoft Teams right away. Simply log into Teams with your existing Skype credentials on any supported device, and all your contacts and chat history will automatically transfer over. This makes the transition seamless, and you'll have access to all your previous Skype conversations.
2. Stay Connected Until May 5, 2025: Acnode clients using Skype will still be able to communicate with Teams users, and vice versa, until May 2025. This ensures you'll stay connected without interruption as you transition.
3. Download and Get Started with Teams:
   • Download Microsoft Teams from the official Microsoft Teams website.
   • Log in using your Skype credentials.
   • Start using Teams with your Skype chats and contacts already in place.
4. Export Your Skype Data: For Acnode clients who prefer not to transition to Teams, you can still export your Skype data (including contacts and chat history). Skype data will remain available for export until January 2026. After this, your Skype data will be automatically deleted unless you choose to save it.

Changes to Paid Skype Services

• Skype Credit and Subscriptions: Microsoft will no longer offer paid Skype services, including Skype Credit and subscriptions for international calls, to new customers. However, existing subscriptions will continue to renew automatically until April 3, 2025.
• Post-May 2025: After May 2025, clients with active Skype Credits and subscriptions will still be able to use them through Teams and the Skype web portal. If you currently have a Skype Number, you can transfer it to a new carrier by following the provided instructions.
• Skype Minutes in Microsoft 365: Starting March 2026, Skype minutes included with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions will be removed.

What Should You Do Now?

• Switch to Teams: Transition to Microsoft Teams for free and explore its expanded features.
• Export Your Data: If you're not ready to switch, export your Skype data before it's deleted in January 2026.
• Take Advantage of the Transition Period: Skype and Teams users will still be able to communicate with each other until May 2025, ensuring no disruption.

We understand that change can be challenging, and we're here to help you through this transition.

If you have any questions or need further assistance during this transition, please don't hesitate to reach out to us:

• Email: info@acnode.co.za
• Call Us:
  • Johannesburg: +27 (0)10 007 4460
  • Cape Town: +27 (0)21 007 2630

We're here to help!