What does the –Connected to Skype icon– indicate ?

Today (April 8, 2013), while using the web-based people.live.com, logged in, and in the top-right corner, I see ...
Connected to Skype-icon.

    That is, the Skype (white S in blue cloud) icon shows up in that area.

I just wanted to verify what that indicates.

I realize the full-function WLM (Windows Live Messenger) client is scheduled to stop working today.  (My understanding).

So we can continue to use the web-based IM at people.live.com  (for some time...?).

So I should be able to see and have IM conversations with all my "Messenger" IM contacts just like before, even if they have "migrated to Skype".

Because from my veiwpoint, at people.live.com, they are still just the same old Messenger IM contacts.

Is that correct so far ?

Therefore, does the --Connected to Skype-- indicate that I can also have IM conversations with native Skype contacts ?

Will all Skype users be required to have a "Microsoft account" soon ?

Will Skype Q/A be a Product here at answers.microsoft.com ?

Thanks.

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