After 15 years, MSN Messenger shutting down on Oct. 31

It's definitely goodbye for MSN Messenger (Windows Live Messenger), Microsoft's instant messaging platform, as the software giant is pulling the plug on it after Oct. 31.

Tech site The Verge cited an announcement on Chinese-language site Livesino.net indicating Microsoft China will end the Messenger service Oct. 31.

Livesino.net indicated that while most MSN Messenger users have been migrated to Microsoft-acquired Skype, Mainland China is an exception.

The Verge added Microsoft originally planned to shift users to Skype last year, but kept MSN Messenger running in China.

After Oct. 31, Chinese Messenger users "will need to use Skype, bringing an end to 15 years of the service," it said.

MSN Messenger started in 1999 to rival AOL’s AIM service. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News