<p>Microsoft announced the switch several months ago, and yesterday it was put into action. Windows Live Messenger has now merged with Skype, putting an end to fourteen years of fond use...</p><p>"Messenger will be retired soon." That's the no-nonsense, no-nostalgia announcement users have seen lately on the Windows Live Messenger website. The programme formerly known as MSN Messenger has finally made way for the world's most recognisable VOIP programme, Skype.</p><p>Acquired by Microsoft back in October 2011, Skype has been progressively replacing WLM, with a large part of both programmes' back-ends converging into one system. After a final update last August, Windows Live Messenger had lapsed into a state of quasi-obsolescence with continually declining numbers of active users (the success of Facebook's instant messaging service having sucked up a sizable portions of Microsoft IM customers).</p><p>But while Windows Live Messenger is no more, that is not the case with your account. You can still use your WLM username and password to log in to Skype, where you'll find all your old contacts, which you can merge with your Skype contacts.</p><p><a href="http://www.digitalversus.com/windows-live-messenger-skype-officially-merged-yesterday-n29026.html">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.thenewstribe.com/2013/04/09/microsoft-windows-live-messenger-shut-down-5-things-you-will-miss/">Microsoft Windows Live Messenger shut down: 5 things you will miss</a> (News Tribe)</p><p><a href="http://www.trutower.com/2013/04/08/windows-live-messenger-skype-merge/">The World Minus Mainland China Bids Adu to Windows Live Messenger Today</a> (TruTower)</p><p><a href="http://onsoftware.en.softonic.com/migration-from-windows-live-messenger-to-skype-begins-today">Migration from Windows Live Messenger to Skype begins today</a> (OnSoftware)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dLN3ysVcEzCxFxMEFhokB95Z9IA4M&ned=us">16 additional articles.</a></p>