What Is Microsoft?
The technology company microsoft is best known for its Windows operating system and the suite of office productivity software, but it also develops video games and other computer hardware, cloud computing services, search and other online services. Its products and services are used by billions of people worldwide. Its corporate headquarters are in Redmond, Washington.
The company was founded in 1975 by Harvard College dropout Bill Gates and his childhood friend Paul Allen. They began by developing a programming language for the Altair 8800, an early microcomputer that was popular with hobbyists and technology enthusiasts. The pair then worked for Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), where they developed an interpreter for BASIC, a popular mainframe programming language.
In 1979, Gates and Allen left MITS to devote more time to their fledgling company, which they renamed Microsoft. The following year, the company scored a major breakthrough when it created an operating system for IBM’s new PC line. It was a flop at first, but the company improved its version and eventually named it MS DOS. Its success boosted Microsoft’s popularity and enabled it to dominate the computer market in the 1980s.
Throughout the decade, Microsoft expanded its product line to include new technologies such as the Internet and mobile devices. It also released a series of successful operating systems, including Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The company has also faced challenges from rival technology companies, most notably Google and Apple.
In recent years, Microsoft has refocused its efforts on newer technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. It has also increased its investment in research and development. The company is attempting to develop a universal operating system that will work on multiple devices, including desktop computers, tablets, phones, and televisions.
Despite these successes, the company has not been without its failures. In the past, it has struggled to compete with Google in the smartphone market, and it failed to capitalize on the popularity of the Xbox gaming console. In addition, its attempts to enter the tablet market have met with mixed results.
Nonetheless, Microsoft remains one of the world’s largest and most influential software companies. Its products and services are used by millions of people around the world every day. The company’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. Its flagship products include the Windows operating system, the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software and services, and the Visual Studio IDE. It also publishes books and produces video games through Xbox Game Studios. Its cloud-based offerings include the Azure platform and the Windows Server operating system. Its hardware includes the Surface line of tablets and the Xbox family of video gaming consoles.
