What Is Microsoft?
Microsoft develops software, hardware, and cloud services. It specializes in computer operating systems like Windows, office software applications, Xbox gaming consoles, and Surface devices. It also offers cloud platforms and email programs. Microsoft is one of the largest technology companies in the world. Its products have transformed the way people work and play. It is also committed to sustainability and climate change.
The company was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The pair were childhood friends from Seattle, Washington. They worked together to convert BASIC, a mainframe computer programming language, for use on the Altair 8800 microcomputer. This work led to their creation of Microsoft. The name was derived from the two words “microcomputer” and “software.”
In the 1990s, Microsoft became the leading producer of personal computer software. Its Windows OSes, the Office software suite, and the Internet Explorer Web browser all contributed to this growth. However, the company ran into trouble with government regulators over its monopolistic practices. In 1999, a judge ordered Microsoft to break up into several separate companies. The decision was later overturned, but the company struggled with the antitrust case for years.
During the 2000s, Microsoft acquired a number of technology companies. These acquisitions expanded its portfolio and its reach into new markets. In 2011, the company purchased Skype for 8.5 billion dollars. This purchase enabled Microsoft to offer cloud computing services, which allow users to access applications and data from remote Internet servers.
In 2012, Microsoft released the Xbox 360 gaming console. This game system was graphically powerful compared to its rivals at the time. Microsoft later offered a series of gaming subscriptions, such as Xbox Game Pass. The company also developed Surface devices, which are touchscreen-based laptops, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. In addition to its gaming offerings, Microsoft is working towards sustainability goals. The company’s data centers are power-efficient and it supports global action to address climate change.
Although the company is based in Redmond, Washington, it has offices and subsidiaries worldwide. These locations help to funnel profits back to the company’s shareholders. The company has a 1.6 star customer rating based on 2237 reviews. The most common complaints about the company revolve around its lack of customer support. Many users report being unable to contact Microsoft employees via telephone or email. Others say that their support requests are routed to third-world countries where the employees speak English with a thick accent and cannot understand them. This is very frustrating for users who are paying tens and even hundreds of dollars a year for the Microsoft products they are purchasing.
