Software giant Microsoft will replace its Windows Live Messenger with the Skype Internet telephony service on March 15.
The company has sent an email to its Messenger users asking them to update their Windows Live Messenger account to Skype in order to enjoy uninterrupted chat service.
"Update to Skype and sign in using a Microsoft Account (same as your Messenger ID) and all your Messenger contacts will be at your fingertips," the email stated.
"You'll be able to instant message and video chat with them just like before, and also discover new ways of staying in touch with Skype on your mobile and tablet."
The Redmond, Washington-based software giant, revealed in November last year that the company will close the Messenger chat service in favour of Skype. Tony Bates, Skype's president, had earlier said that Windows Live Messenger will be reserved in all countries worldwide in 2013. "Making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience," Bates wrote in a Blog post. The Messenger will be withdrawn from every country except China.
Microsoft acquired Skype in October 2011 for $8.5 billion. Skype features video calls, ability to make calls to landline phones and access to the social networking site Facebook and it supports iPad and Android tablets. Recently, Skype released its new version Skype v6.1 with a few key updates. It is said that Skype has over 280 million monthly active users.
