Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is an American technology company based in Redmond, Washington. It was started in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Microsoft helped make personal computers popular with software like Windows. Today, it is one of the most valuable public companies and the largest software company by revenue in the world.

Microsoft has grown into many areas, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and video gaming. The company made well-known products like the Microsoft Office suite, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also created the Xbox video game consoles. Microsoft offers services like Bing web search and the Azure cloud platform.

In 2024, Microsoft updated its productivity software with Office 2024. Even though it has faced some criticism, Microsoft stays an important part of today’s technology.

History

Main article: History of Microsoft

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Microsoft.

1972–1985: Founding

Childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen wanted to start a business using their skills in computer programming. In 1972, they created Traf-O-Data, which sold a simple computer to track traffic data.

In 1975, they learned about a new microcomputer and created a program for it. Gates and Allen started Microsoft that year, with Gates as CEO. The company grew and moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1979.

1985–1994: Windows and Office

In 1985, Microsoft released Windows 1.0, a new way to control computers with pictures. The company moved to Redmond, Washington in 1986 and began selling shares of the company. In 1990, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Office suite, which included popular programs like Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. By 1995, both Office and Windows were widely used.

1995–2007: Foray into the Web, Windows 95, Windows XP, and Xbox

After a memo by Bill Gates in 1995, Microsoft started exploring the internet. The company released Windows 95 in 1995, which became very popular. In 1996, Microsoft started a new cable news channel. In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP and entered the video game console market with the Xbox.

2007–2011: Microsoft Azure, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Microsoft Stores

In 2007, Microsoft released Windows Vista, which added new features and improved security. In 2008, Microsoft began offering cloud computing with Azure Services Platform. The first Microsoft Store opened in 2009, the same day Windows 7 was released.

2011–2014: Windows 8/8.1, Xbox One, Outlook.com, and Surface devices

In 2011, Microsoft released Windows 8, made for both computers and tablets. The company also introduced the Surface line of devices. In 2012, Microsoft launched Outlook.com and bought Skype.

2014–2020: Windows 10, Microsoft Edge, and HoloLens

In 2014, Steve Ballmer left as CEO and Satya Nadella took over. Microsoft bought Nokia’s devices and focused more on cloud computing. In 2015, Windows 10 was released.

2020–present: Acquisitions, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows 11

In 2020, Microsoft released the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. In 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 11, which came out in 2022. The company kept growing through buying other companies and focused on cloud computing and AI.

Corporate affairs

See also: Criticism of Microsoft; Internet censorship in China; and Embrace, extend, and extinguish

Microsoft is one of the biggest companies in the United States. It makes money by selling software and other technology products. In 2022, it was one of the top companies in the country and the world's largest maker of software. Microsoft is very successful and worth a lot of money.

The company is led by a group of people called a board of directors. They help make big decisions. Microsoft has had different leaders over the years, starting with Bill Gates, then Steve Ballmer, and now Satya Nadella.

Microsoft has grown by buying other companies and selling shares of its stock to people who want to invest. The company has also had to let people go during tough economic times.

Microsoft works with governments and works to keep information safe and private. It has taken steps to better protect data and give more information about government requests.

Corporate identity

Microsoft is a big technology company known for making software that helped personal computers become popular. It has grown to include many areas like internet services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and video games.

The company works hard to understand what customers need and quickly makes new products based on their feedback. Microsoft also helps developers and users with online communities and resources. Over the years, Microsoft has improved its workplaces and taken steps to help the environment by using cleaner energy and reducing its carbon footprint. The company has offices around the world, with its main headquarters in Redmond, Washington.