What is Microsoft?
The Microsoft Corporation is one of the leading developers of personal computer software, services, and hardware. Its products are sold in over 60 countries. Most people know Microsoft for its Windows operating system and Internet Explorer web browser. However, the company has developed many other products and services.
The company was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. They created MS-DOS, an operating system for IBM PCs, in the early 1980s. The software was so successful that most PC manufacturers licensed it. In addition, Microsoft produced several other programming languages, such as BASIC. Eventually, MS-DOS and other software developed by the company generated huge revenues for Microsoft.
The company is headquartered in Washington, but also operates research and development facilities in Bengaluru, Beijing, Cambridge, India, Montreal, and New York. Its business units include Office Products, Gaming, Internet, Search Advertising, and Social Media.
Microsoft aims to enhance productivity of the global business community. One way it does this is by producing cloud computing through its Microsoft Azure platform. This allows businesses to offer computing infrastructure as services. Additionally, Microsoft provides an array of direct sales programs for companies and individuals.
The company’s main research and development center is located in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft also has offices and labs in London, Boston, Bangalore, and Bermuda. It also has an extensive network of partner advisors.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is now the world’s largest vendor of computer software. It also produces video games, electronic game systems, and hardware. Microsoft has been accused of anticompetitive tactics. Many people view it as a “velvet sweatshop.”
Microsoft grew from its initial roots as an operating system provider, and today is a world leader in software production. During the 1990s, the company outpaced its longtime rivals Lotus and WordPerfect in the productivity and business process software markets. As the information technology industry evolved, the lines between personal computers and business computers became blurred.
As an important player in the software industry, Microsoft tries to remain ahead of the competition by providing customers with a wide range of services. Microsoft’s products and services range from desktop and mobile operating systems to software development tools. Some of its best-known products include Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft’s web browser, Internet Explorer.
With the arrival of Xbox, a gaming console, Microsoft positioned itself as a direct competitor to Nintendo and other major competitors. Microsoft released its first Xbox system in 2001. Since then, it has released several additional models, including the Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Today, Microsoft is the market leader in the productivity software and office software suite market. Its products include the Office 365 suite, which includes Outlook, Word, and OneNote. Another new service, called Microsoft 365 Lists, allows users to keep track of work across various platforms. These lists can be shared with others to stay organized.
A key component of Microsoft’s growth has been its cloud computing services. In the last decade, Microsoft has expanded into the public cloud market with its Windows Azure platform.
