A Brief Introduction to Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company that produces computer software, personal computers, and related services. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The name comes from the fact that the corporation’s products are so ubiquitous that it has become a household name. The company’s products are available on virtually every computer and are a staple of many homes. The firm is now one of the most popular companies in the world, with over one billion users worldwide.
Prior to the 1990s, Microsoft was primarily a supplier of hardware to computer manufacturers. As personal computers became more popular, Microsoft’s focus turned toward consumer sales. By the mid-1980s, it had a larger market share of PCs than any other company in the world. Bill Gates has said that Microsoft is the company that has redefined computer use. The company has made many other claims as well, such as its ability to make computers more affordable.
The company also continues to invest heavily in the environment. In April 2012, the company announced that it would stop selling computers that produce carbon emissions and begin collecting carbon to avoid causing global warming. The Microsoft CEO has stated that the company plans to remove all carbon from the atmosphere within 15 years. In addition, the company has made its work-from-home policy permanent, and announced that it will not revert to the previous policy of charging employees for unused time.
Despite its history, Microsoft is now a global powerhouse. The company has become dominant in the office software suite and IBM PC compatible operating system markets. However, the company is increasingly diversified. In May 2011, the company acquired Skype Technologies for $8.5 billion. Although it is still primarily known for its office suites and PC operating systems, it also engages in other sectors including the video game industry, the digital services market, and mobile phones.
The company’s biggest success, however, is in its business model. Its IPO, which raised nearly $90 billion in 1984, led to the creation of three billionaires and more than a thousand millionaires. Since then, Microsoft has been diversifying its business, becoming more diversified than ever. Recently, it has been investing in a number of industries, from mobile phones to video games. Its acquisition of Skype Technologies in May 2011 brought it even closer to a broader global presence.
Apart from its core business, Microsoft has diversified into different industries and segments. Its flagship products include the Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Xbox video game console. Its products also include other technology such as the Xbox gaming consoles and the Surface line of touchscreen personal computers. As of 2016, the company had the highest revenue among the Big Five companies in the information technology industry. Its IPO created several billionaires and 12,000 millionaires.
