<p>Microsoft's been pretty open about the fact that it's scuppering its Windows Live Messenger Service in favour of Skype but now we have some idea of when it's actually going to happen.</p><p>In an email sent to customers this week, the Redmond-based tech giant confirmed that it would be shutting down the service on 15 March.</p><p>In the mail, it says that the service will be shut down globally, except in mainland China where it will continue to operate. In the meantime Microsoft is urging the service's users to migrate to Skype.</p><p>On 15th March 2013 we are retiring the existing Messenger service globally (except for mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available) and bringing the great features of Messenger and Skype together. 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. 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.</p><p><a href="http://memeburn.com/2013/01/microsoft-confirms-date-for-scuppering-windows-live-messenger/">Keep reading...</a></p>