How Microsoft Affects the Modern Tech Landscape
Microsoft is one of the world’s largest vendors of computer software, and its Windows operating system is the most popular desktop software for personal computers. The company’s Office suite of productivity programs is a staple in business offices and schools, and its Windows-powered Xbox gaming console has helped to shape the development of the video game industry. From cloud computing to augmented reality, Microsoft’s wide range of products and services continues to influence the modern tech landscape.
A publicly-held technology company, Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, with operations around the globe. In addition to its flagship software, the company also produces computer and gaming hardware, offers a number of online services including search and e-commerce, and owns or possesses interests in several content-distribution channels such as MSNBC and the Encarta electronic encyclopedia.
The company was founded in 1975 by Harvard University classmates Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who had developed an interpreter for BASIC, a mainframe computer programming language, to run on the Altair 8800, a very early personal computer. The two later incorporated their company, which they named after the words “microcomputer” and “software.”
Today, Microsoft is an international powerhouse with many different divisions that offer various types of products and services. Its operating systems are used in virtually every PC on the planet, and its Office programs have revolutionized the way in which businesses create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Its Xbox gaming platform has had a tremendous impact on the video game industry and its Surface devices are becoming increasingly popular for their tablet-like form factors, touchscreen capability, and integrated keyboards.
In the cloud computing space, Microsoft has established itself as a leader with its Azure platform, which has quickly become the market’s most-popular service for hosting and storing data. Its Bing search engine and Internet Explorer web browser are widely used by consumers, while its Dynamics CRM business solutions serve a variety of industries. Its HoloLens mixed-reality headset is currently in limited release and is expected to be available to the general public next year.
Despite its numerous accomplishments, Microsoft has encountered several challenges throughout its history. In 1999, the company was found guilty of violating federal antitrust laws and ordered to break up by a judge, but in 2004 an appeals court overturned the order. Nonetheless, the company’s reputation suffered due to the legal proceedings, and its shares dropped sharply as a result.
Under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft is working to improve its reputation and make amends with shareholders by focusing on its core products and the people who use them. It is also working to promote a more inclusive culture and better support employees who speak out about toxic behavior. In addition, it is promoting the use of AI in ways that will benefit society while remaining cautious about its potential perils. For example, it has made a substantial investment in OpenAI and is urging other companies to follow suit.
