<p>Windows Live Messenger closes its doors on March 15. Image by computerjoe</p><p>Remember Window's instant messaging program, MSN Messenger? Microsoft has recently announced that after 14 years, Windows Live Messenger, they're closing the program down and will move users towards Skype. The plan to close Messenger has been in the pipe-line since November 2012, but users have now been notified by email that the program will officially close on March 15, 2013. Luckily, although communications technology has passed Messenger by, users will have many other options.MSN Messenger: End of an Era</p><p>The closing of Messenger heralds the end of an online era. Before the days of Twitter and Facebook, instant messenger programs were an extremely popular way to keep in touch with friends and family members. They were quicker than email, and MSN Messenger, as it was known up until 2006, was one of the most popular options, especially for teenagers and young adults, gaining 100 million users by 2010.</p><p>Those days are over, however Microsoft acquired Skype in May 2011, and will replace Windows Live Messenger everywhere, except for China, with that program. The email sent to users informs them how to change their accounts and upgrade to Skype in time for the closing of the program.Online Communications</p><p><a href="http://www.decodedscience.com/windows-live-messenger-to-close-users-encouraged-to-use-skype-instead/24143">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/21003632">Microsoft is switching off its Windows Live Messenger service on 15 March 2013.</a> (BBC News)</p><p><a href="http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-01/13/msn-messenger-closing">Microsoft sets final closure date for Windows Messenger</a> (Wired.co.uk)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d_ld4vYFsfzd4MMmIRSuyuLHaH8lM&ned=us">14 additional articles.</a></p>