Skype is a communications platform that allows users to interact either by voice calls, video calls or text messaging.
Users can also send files and other attachments and share their desktop screen with other Skype users so they see one’s screen.
The application is written in Delphi, C and C++ and runs on all the major operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Nokia X, Fire OS, Xbox One, Viera Smart TV , PlayStation Vita and PlayStation Portable.
Where does the name come from?
Skype was launched in August 2003 by Skype Technologies and was acquired by Microsoft in May 2011 for $8.5bn.
With headquarters in Luxembourg, the application is available in 38 different languages and is available for free. Paid business versions are available and users also have to put some money into the application if they want to call landline or mobile phone numbers.
The name Skype originates from ‘Sky peer-to-peer’. Swedish founder Niklas Zennström and Dannish founder Janus Friis quickly came up with the name ‘Skyper’. However, as the domain name was already taken, they dropped the ‘r’ at the end and ‘Skype’ was born.
