<p>Effective March 15, 2013, Microsoft will no longer be using Windows Live Messenger and instead advised users to log in using Skype.</p><p>The network however will remain available to users for another 12 months before Microsoft eventually phases it off.</p><p>Microsoft had sent an email earlier this week to its Messenger users, announcing the eventual exit from the existing Messenger service and that users would be migrated over to Skype.</p><p>"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.</p><p><a href="http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/423731/20130114/microsoft-skype-windows-messenger.htm">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.decodedscience.com/windows-live-messenger-to-close-users-encouraged-to-use-skype-instead/24143">Windows Live Messenger to Close: Users Encouraged to Use Skype Instead</a> (Decoded Science)</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://blogs.independent.co.uk/2013/01/14/say-goodbye-to-windows-messenger-microsoft-to-shut-down-service-in-march/">Say goodbye to Windows Messenger, Microsoft to shut down service in March</a> (The Independent (blog))</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dxGmf-FZbfI1xxMgszSsT4UfwoR4M&ned=us">28 additional articles.</a></p>