Microsoft is revamping the way it manages its services and product. In one of its most recent changes, Microsoft decided to retire Windows Messenger Live and turn it into Skype.

Saying goodbye to Windows Messenger Live it’s going to be hard to those few million users that are still using it or those of us who used to spend hours chatting with friends and family. In a post published Tuesday, Microsoft announced Windows Messenger Live will be retired worldwide and suggested you should just use Skype.

After more than 12 years, Microsoft is ending Windows Messenger Live as a service by itself. Instead, the company is merging its chat service to the VoIP service, Skype. It was the obvious choice since Windows Messenger Live has long lost its popularity among internet users. And Microsoft has been preparing for it since the release of Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows.

“Our goal remains to deliver the best communications experience for everyone, everywhere” said Skype president Tony Bates. “We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience” he added. “We will work with you over the next few months to help you transition and offer information and help along the way” the Skype president promised.

Three years ago, Windows Messenger Live had 330 million active users but in a recent report the number of US users dropped to 8.3 million. However, according to a report released earlier this year, Windows Messenger Live was the second most popular service in its field. Even in 2012, Microsoft’s chat service had two times more users than Skype.

So why is Microsoft retiring Windows Messenger Live although it has more users than Skype? Analyst Brian Blau says Messenger just doesn’t fit the Xbox console platform. “Skype’s top-up services offer the chance to monetize its users and Microsoft is also looking towards opportunities in the living room” Blau explains. “Messenger doesn’t seem like an appropriate communications platform for TVs or the firm’s Xbox console – but Skype does”.

“Now Messenger users just need to update to the latest version of Skype, sign in using a Microsoft account and their Messenger contacts will be there” said Tony Bates. “To help you learn how to get the most out of Skype, be on the lookout for some special offers later this year as you join your Messenger friends in the migration”.