What is Microsoft?
Microsoft is one of the largest software companies in the world. It sells a variety of products from desktop office functionalities to cloud computing platforms and email services. The company was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, two boyhood friends from Seattle. The pair had converted BASIC, a mainframe computer programming language, into a version that could run on the Altair microcomputer, a popular early personal computer (PC). They named their new company after the machine: Microsoft.
Since its inception, the company has expanded its product offerings and grown into a global technology leader. The diversity of its product portfolio mitigates risks inherent in depending on a single technology and allows it to respond quickly to market demands.
The company’s flagship product, Windows, remains one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. In addition, Microsoft’s Surface line of touchscreen-based hardware devices and the Xbox gaming console have positioned it as a top player in digital entertainment. Microsoft also provides a variety of cloud-based business solutions such as Azure and Dynamics CRM.
As a result of its success, Microsoft has become the target of antitrust lawsuits filed by competitors and government agencies. Its near-monopoly status and business practices have been criticized as stifling competition and technical innovation. Nonetheless, the company has survived these challenges and continues to dominate its industry.
Investors hold a majority of the company’s shares, with the biggest institutional shareholders being Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRock Inc and State Street Corp. Its annual revenue exceeds $60 billion, making it the world’s most valuable tech company.
While the company has a worldwide presence, its headquarters are in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft operates a number of research labs around the globe, including facilities in Beijing, India and Cambridge, England. The company also has a strong presence in the United States, where it employs more than 100,000 people.
The Microsoft Blog
The Microsoft Blog, formerly the MSPoweruser blog, is a leading tech news and commentary source for all things related to Microsoft. This site covers everything from new product releases to important shifts in enterprise technology. Mary Jo Foley is the go-to source for insights and intelligence on Microsoft’s shifting priorities and strategies.
Users can rate and review apps, games, movies, TV shows and more on the Microsoft Store. These ratings appear on the product page and in search results. Users can also flag a review if they believe it violates Microsoft’s content policies. To report a review, visit the product detail page and select the flag icon. Your request will be evaluated and, if appropriate, the content will be removed from the store. If you have questions, contact Customer Support.
