Microsoft shutting down Skype

 

 

Microsoft has planned to shut down the SKYPE on 5th May 2025, which is the last day. RIP SKYPE one of the most popular and easy-to-use video calling software of its times. Skype connected people for the past 23 years around the world.

History

Skype was developed in 2003 by Janus Friis from Denmark and Niklas Zennström from Sweden, with its headquarters established in Luxembourg. The software was initially created by Estonian engineers Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn, who, along with Friis and Zennström, had also contributed to developing the peer-to-peer file-sharing platform Kazaa.

The domain names Skype.com and Skype.net were registered in April 2003, and by August, the first public beta version was released. Initially called "Sky peer-to-peer," the project was later shortened to "Skyper." However, since related domain names were already taken, the final "r" was dropped, resulting in the name "Skype."In 2005, eBay acquired Skype for $2.6 billion. It was later sold to Silver Lake Partners, a private equity firm, in 2009. Microsoft acquired Skype for USD 8.5 billion in 2011

Microsoft Acquired Skype

In 2011, the primary reason for acquiring Skype was to compete with rivals. Google was offering Google Voice and Hangouts, and Apple has Time, Microsoft needed a robust communication platform to stay competitive, other factors that influenced the decision were:

Enhancing Communication Services – Microsoft aimed to bolster its presence in voice and video communication by integrating Skype with its products like Windows, Office, and Xbox.

Enterprise Solutions – Skype’s integration with Microsoft Teams and Office 365 would improve business communication tools for enterprise customers.

Expanding User Reach – At the time, Skype had approximately 300 million users, providing Microsoft with access to a large and established network.

Cloud and AI Alignment – Skype’s voice and video infrastructure complemented Microsoft’s Azure cloud services and advancements in artificial intelligence.

Though Microsoft acquired Skype it wasn’t a smooth sail in the beginning. They were facing a challenge in monetising Skype. There were new and faster communication tools were launched. On the technological front Microsoft faces quite a challenge to transfer Peer-to-Peer communication to Cloud-based architecture. However, Microsoft overcame these challenges in the due course of time and eventually moved in the right direction with Skype technology.

In the long run, this acquisition proved to be worthwhile: Microsoft integrated Skype’s technology into Teams, which became a huge success during the remote work boom. Skype’s core technology helped enhance AI-driven voice and video features in Microsoft’s ecosystem. Eventually, Skype itself declined, and Microsoft leveraged its acquisition to become a major player in enterprise communication.

Microsoft was able to compete with the competitors and become a dominant player in enterprise communication, not with Skype but with MS Teams. Microsoft pivoted from Skype to Teams, launching it in 2017 as an enterprise collaboration tool. By 2020, Teams had over 250 million monthly active users, surpassing Slack and competing directly with Google Meet and Zoom in the business world. MS Teams did the deep integration with Office 365, One Drive, and Outlook giving Microsoft an edge over Google Workspace.

Here are the best Skype alternatives:

Google Meet

A key advantage of using Google Meet is its availability for free with a Google account. Since many people already use Google and have existing accounts, switching to this platform is relatively seamless. Google Meet enables users to host meetings with up to 100 participants, record sessions, share screens, and more. However, a limitation of the free plan is that meetings with more than three participants are restricted to 60 minutes. For larger organizations, upgrading to a Google Workspace plan may be beneficial. Paid plans offer features such as support for up to 25 co-hosts, breakout rooms for dividing participants into smaller groups, polling, Q&A sessions, live streaming to YouTube, and more. Google Workspace—with pricing tiers starting at $7/month, $14/month, $22/month, and higher—also includes AI-powered tools through its Gemini assistant, which helps Meet users take notes and generate custom background images.

Zoom

Zoom is a widely used web-conferencing platform that offers a range of useful features, such as hosting 100 participants, enabling private and group chat, and taking notes, providing equipment such as a virtual whiteboard and screen sharing. Users can also record meetings and access tapes for reviews. A limit, however, is a restriction of 40 minutes for meetings on the free plan. To avoid interruptions, users can opt for a payment subscription, priced to prices USD 13 to USD 18 per month. Subscribers gain access to Zoom's AI partner, which provides facilities such as the meeting summary and the ability to ask questions about tape.

WebEx

WebEx, a video conferencing tool owned by Cisco, provides a plan similar to that of its rivals. For example, it has features such as screen sharing, recording ability, a whiteboard capacity and more. The free plan includes an unfortunate 40-minute time limit along with 100 attendees per meeting. The WebEx also offers a plan of $ 12/month, $ 22/month and above, depending on the size of the team. Paid Tier comes with an AI Assistant, and Live Polling facility.

Discord

Originally designed as a chat platform for gamers, Discord has evolved to also serve as a versatile tool for personal use or small teams. However, it may not be the best fit for large businesses, as it limits group calls to 25 participants. On the plus side, Discord offers a range of useful features, including unlimited meeting durations, screen sharing, call recording, and breakout rooms. The platform provides a free plan, along with two paid options priced at USD 5/monthand10/month, making it one of the more affordable solutions available, depending on user needs.

Slack

Slack is good for informal team chats, but may not be ideal for formally scheduled meetings with large groups. The Huddle feature helps users quickly move from chat to informal audio-video calls. On the free plan, Huddles can accommodate only two people, whereas paid plans (priced at $7/month or $12/month) allow for up to 50.

Signal

Signal, the encrypted messaging app, introduced group video-calling functionality in 2020, supporting up to 50 participants in a single call. While it isn’t a direct competitor to Skype, it offers a convenient feature for sharing call links, allowing users to invite others without the need to manually create a similar to platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. A standout advantage is that Signal is completely free to use. For mobile users seeking video-calling solutions for smaller groups, other popular options include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple FaceTime.

 Conclusion

Microsoft's phasing out of Skype signifies the end of an era for the pioneering communication tool. While Skype severed and paved the way for modern video calling, its limitations and the rise of more advanced platforms have led to its gradual decline. Microsoft Teams now stands as the company's primary focus, offering a more comprehensive solution for both personal and professional communication needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remote Patient Monitoring(RPM) & AI

 

With the advancement in device connectivity and high internet speed, RPM (Remote Patient Monitoring is gaining momentum and will be the way of the future. It is the service which is fast gaining acceptance and popularity in the US healthcare industry and other countries are catching up with it, the term is “Remote Patient monitoring". RPM has given a significant boost to Post-surgical care and preventive healthcare across the globe and addressed some of the pressing issues in healthcare. Providers and hospitals are using the RPM which is proving to be effective in care and cost. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has revolutionized healthcare by enabling doctors to track patients' health from a distance. Remote patient monitoring(RPM) collects, analyzes and stores health information through live monitoring via devices such as (sensors, Wearable devices, and Blood pressure monitoring machines) or Mobile applications that transmit information from the home or care facility to a provider that either stored in a local facility or cloud. Further, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), RPM is becoming more efficient, accurate, and personalized. AI-powered RPM is changing the way healthcare professionals diagnose, treat, and manage chronic conditions, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital visits.

The data collected by devices is later used by providers to monitor the patient's health condition and track improvement. The data collected can also provide alerts when patient health is not improving and go to Doctors, hospitals, and clinics. RPM was already gaining momentum, and post-pandemic, it's getting attention in the healthcare world. RPM has gradually become a very lucrative option for hospitals and clinics.

Remote patient monitoring is primarily used in critical care such as Patients suffering from Diabetes with critical levels, High/low blood pressure, and post-surgery monitoring (patients underwent major surgeries and required monitoring for some time. Doctors, with the help of devices, collected the patient data at regular intervals and analysed and provided treatments according to the data results.

Patient data received through various devices can also be stored in the cloud and later shared with doctors for early diagnosis. Based on the health data shared by the patient's devices, a health coach or caregiver is assigned to the patient, who guides the patient in medication, exercise, and wellness.

Example: In cardiac care Patients with advanced, AI-enabled pacemakers can share their measuring parameters with their Drs/Nurses without going to the clinic. The continuous flow of the data has improved the patient monitoring and helping Drs. To take the right decisions at patient crucial stages such as heart attacks, and hypertension. Continuous monitoring of patient data also allows Dr. to predict the patient's health and the precautions he/she needs to take.

Market Size

Providers, clinics, and hospitals have significantly increased their implementation of RPM in the US and globally. According to GVR(Grand View Research), the global remote patient monitoring market was estimated at USD 5.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6% from 2024 to 2030. 

Image 1: US (RPM) remote patient monitoring systems market

However, remote patient monitoring with the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) research is happening to make the tools better and to get better insights and reports also with the AI and predictive analysis helping Drs. To predict the health of the patient after getting treatment. Research is happening on devices such as (Sensors, and other electronic devices) to get the precise vital readings of the patient and accurate to increase the effectiveness of the devices and also improve their connectivity by making the RPM more effective and efficient.

North America is a leading player in the remote patient monitoring system industry in 2023, accounting for more than 41.37% of the total market share. The rise of chronic diseases has pushed the demand for wireless and portable systems along with the presence of reimbursement structures aimed at cutting expenditure are the major factors attributed to growth.

Advantages of RPM

Real-time Data Analysis and Predictive Insights

Traditional RPM devices collect vast amounts of patient data, but AI takes it a step further by analyzing this data in real-time. Machine learning algorithms can detect abnormal patterns in vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or glucose levels, and alert healthcare providers before a condition worsens. Predictive analytics can also forecast potential health risks, allowing doctors to take proactive measures.

Enhanced Chronic Disease Management

AI-driven RPM is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Smart wearables and connected devices continuously monitor patient vitals and use AI to offer personalized recommendations. For instance, AI-powered insulin pumps adjust insulin doses automatically based on real-time glucose readings, reducing the risk of complications.

Improved Patient Engagement and Adherence

AI-enabled RPM systems encourage better patient engagement by offering real-time feedback, reminders, and coaching. Chatbots and virtual health assistants powered by AI help patients stay on track with medication schedules, lifestyle changes, and follow-up appointments. By providing educational insights and motivation, these tools enhance adherence to treatment plans.

Remote Diagnostics and Virtual Consultations

Telemedicine combined with AI-powered RPM allows doctors to diagnose and treat patients remotely. AI algorithms analyze patient symptoms, medical history, and current health data to provide diagnostic suggestions. This reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, making healthcare more accessible, especially for patients in rural or remote areas.

Early Detection of Health Issues

AI’s ability to detect early signs of diseases is transforming preventive healthcare. By continuously analyzing physiological data, AI can identify deviations that may indicate the onset of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, sepsis, or respiratory distress. Early detection enables timely interventions, preventing complications and reducing healthcare costs.

Integration with Smart Wearable and IoT

The rise of smart wearable’s and Internet of Things (IoT) devices has enhanced the capabilities of AI-driven RPM. Devices such as smartwatches, biosensors, and connected ECG monitors continuously collect and transmit health data to AI systems. These AI models process the data to provide real-time insights and recommendations for both patients and healthcare providers.

Enhanced Security and Data Privacy

AI also plays a crucial role in securing patient data. With advanced encryption and anomaly detection, AI enhances cyber security in RPM systems, preventing data breaches and ensuring compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. AI-driven authentication methods, such as biometric verification, further strengthen patient data protection. The importance of remote patient monitoring (RPM) has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has helped doctors to monitor their patients without physical contact and this also has minimized the risks of spreading the virus. Remote patient monitoring has changed the healthcare monitoring device industry dynamics the healthcare devices market is continuously growing with a CAGR of 18% by 2030.

Image 2: Healthcare device market size

Healthcare technology is evolving and new research is happening every day and making RPM more effective for patients. As a result of that now sensors are being used with devices and smartphones along with AI to gather the patient's vital data. Sensors have given the freedom to patients from wearing the devices and track their vitals, such as ECG, vitals of pre-mature born babies, heart rate, etc. These sensors also have a range to capture the patient's data so, patients have to be within the range for data to be captured. Apart from sensors, other technologies are also used in combination with sensors are cameras and Smartphones to capture the patient's vitals.

Smartphones

Apart from RPM devices, Smartphone technology has improved significantly Smartphones are now equipped with AI and the sensors in mobile phones have significantly improved, and that has led to rapid growth in the field of telemedicine and patient monitoring applications. Telemedicine applications have emerged to complete telehealth solutions.

Smartphones are equipped with AI tools and can be easily integrated with the SDKs of different devices for smooth data transfer to the doctor. The Patient data can be shared with the Drs. on a real-time basis. Smartphone application also helps in maintaining patient’s vital data both on the device and on the cloud. Smartphones also provide two-way communication that helps Dr. to reach out to the patients; apart from this Smartphones are easy to use by patients and help patients in self-care.

With the increasing use of RPM, there is a rise in Home patient monitoring, which allows healthcare providers to monitor patient's health conditions in the home. With the invention of Sensors, wearable devices, and Smartphones it is easy to track patient vitals without him visiting hospitals/clinics. In this pandemic time, Home patient monitoring keeps a lot of critical and elderly patients safe at home. This also allows a lot of communication between doctors and patients and patients are also becoming an active contributor to their treatments.

Conclusion

Remote patient monitoring is going to have a significant impact and pave the way to new kinds of patient care. The RPM in due course of time is becoming more advanced and will be gaining more acceptance as an integral part of patient treatment and care. The future of remote patient monitoring will be the way of the future.