Microsoft – A Brief History
Microsoft is an American software and computer services company. Founded in 1975, it developed a variety of software products and services for both personal computers and business needs. In 2000, Steve Ballmer became the company’s CEO, replacing Bill Gates. The new CEO maintained Microsoft’s position as the leading company in both the personal computer and business markets, while expanding its consumer presence as technology advanced. This article aims to shed light on Microsoft’s history, and provide some insights into the company’s current direction.
Microsoft has a long history in the software industry, starting with BASIC for the Altair computer. Later, the company refined BASIC and created a variety of programming languages. In 1981, Microsoft was asked by IBM to create an operating system for the IBM PC. The company adapted an operating system from another company, named it MS-DOS, and it was released along with the IBM PC in 1981. Since then, Microsoft has evolved into a global software company, and is now one of the largest producers of software and computer hardware.
While Scott Guthrie is the head of Microsoft’s Cloud + AI Group, he’s responsible for the company’s cloud computing fabric, Artificial Intelligence platform, and digital transformation strategy. His portfolio spans Microsoft Azure, the global cloud platform, Microsoft Business Applications, including Dynamics 365 and automated business process capabilities, the Power Platform and low-code/no-code development tools, and end-to-cloud security. Ultimately, this group aims to provide a world-class cloud computing platform for businesses.
The Microsoft Office suite includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Microsoft Office has also added tools for managing data in databases, such as Access and Publisher. Additionally, the Office 365 suite integrates with Google Drive. OneNote, Publisher and Access are included in the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan, and it supports mobile and web versions of the applications. Microsoft’s Office products are available in over 35 languages. The company’s Office 365 business model includes perks exclusive to subscribers, such as online support and customer service.
Today’s business environment demands collaboration, sharing of information, and fast communication. With these advances, Microsoft provides tools for businesses to remain productive and efficient. Microsoft Outlook is one such product that serves as a central portal for e-mail, tasks, calendar, and contacts. Its Office Live Workspace feature offers online storage space, which is a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes. Similarly, smartphones offer advanced computing features. For example, a smartphone can use Microsoft Office shortcuts for formatting documents and PowerPoint presentations.
The Microsoft Windows operating system was first introduced in 1983 and did not become popular until November 1985. Microsoft’s Windows 1.0 version was heavily influenced by Apple’s graphical user interface and was far easier to use than DOS. With Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, Microsoft quickly moved into the operating systems market, and by the year 2000, more than 90 percent of all PCs in the world were running the Microsoft operating system. The company’s next goal was to make its operating system more user friendly.