The History of Microsoft
Microsoft is one of the largest technology companies in the world, making computer software like Windows and Office, video games, PC accessories, search and online services. Its headquarters are located in Redmond, Washington and it has offices around the world.
Harvard University classmates Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded the company in 1975 to develop a compiler for the Altair 8800, a primitive early personal computer. The company expanded to produce a wide range of computer hardware, including computers, printers and monitors. It also created productivity software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs that quickly outpaced rivals like Lotus and WordPerfect. In 1995, it shifted its focus to the Internet with the launch of the Windows operating system and the Internet Explorer Web browser. The company worked hard to persuade computer makers and Internet service providers to bundle the software with their products.
By the late 1990s, Microsoft had a near-monopoly on personal computer operating systems and productivity software. Despite this, the company continued to innovate and grow. It bought and built a variety of new businesses including the multi-media Encarta encyclopedia, and the search engine MSN. In 2001, it released the Xbox series of video game consoles, which were graphically more advanced than their rivals. Microsoft also introduced a line of PC accessories such as keyboards and mice.
The 2000s were a turbulent decade for Microsoft. The company faced a number of legal challenges as competitors sued over antitrust violations and it struggled to keep up with the rapid evolution of mobile technology. In 2004, the European Union imposed the largest fine ever levied against a single company, $612 million, in retaliation for its monopoly practices. In 2005, Gates retired as CEO of the company and was succeeded by Steve Ballmer.
In 2014, Satya Nadella became the new CEO of the company and refocused its efforts on artificial intelligence. He told tens of thousands of Softies that the new goal was to put Copilot (the name for its AI platform) in the hands of people and organizations everywhere.
The company has a global presence with subsidiaries in every major country around the world. These subsidiaries funnel profits back up to the parent company in Redmond and distribute dividends to investors. In addition to its headquarters in Redmond, Microsoft has research centers in Cambridge, England; Beijing, China; Bengaluru, India and other locations around the globe. The company also operates a network of Microsoft Stores and Microsoft Experience Centers in select markets. Microsoft offers documentation, hands-on training and globally recognized certifications to help you get the most out of its products and tools. Returns are available for physical products purchased at the Microsoft Store online or at a Microsoft Experience Center. See the Microsoft Terms of Sale for more information.