On
that date Messenger log-ins will no longer work and users must turn to Skype,
said Microsoft in an email sent to all Messenger users.
The
email also encouraged users to update to Skype and familiarise themselves with
the service before the switch-off.
Microsoft
to turn off Windows Messenger on 15 March
The
service switch is a consequence of Microsoft's acquisition of Skype in October
2011 for $8.5bn (£5.3bn).
In
November 2012, Microsoft announced that it was switching off Live Messenger in
early 2013 but gave no firm date. At the same time, Microsoft made it possible
for Messenger users to talk to and swap messages with contacts via Skype.
To
help people migrate before 15 March, Microsoft has added an upgrade button to
its desktop Messenger that when clicked uninstalls Messenger and puts Skype in
its place.
Until
the switch-off date Messenger would work as it always did, said Microsoft.
The
Windows Live Messenger instant messaging program was known as MSN Messenger
when it first launched in 1999. The service is believed to be used by about 300
million people every month.
China
is the only nation in which Messenger will keep operating, because it is run
under licence there.
No comments:
Post a Comment