Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation stands as the world's largest software company, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. The company transformed personal computing through MS-DOS and Windows operating systems.

Today, Microsoft serves over 1.4 billion Windows users and millions of enterprise customers. Azure cloud services compete directly with Amazon Web Services in the cloud market.

Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft remains a publicly traded company on NASDAQ. The corporation continues expanding through strategic acquisitions like LinkedIn and gaming company Activision Blizzard.

About Microsoft

Sector Technology
Industry Software & Cloud Services
CEO Satya Nadella
Website microsoft.com
Headquarters Redmond, WA
Founded April 4, 1975
Status Public (NASDAQ: MSFT)

Microsoft Founders

Bill Gates
Co-founder & Former CEO
Paul Allen
Co-founder

Microsoft History

1975

Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico to develop software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer, competing early with Apple.

1985

Microsoft released Windows 1.0, introducing graphical user interface to IBM-compatible personal computers worldwide.

1995

Windows 95 launched with massive commercial success, selling 7 million copies in the first five weeks.

2014

Satya Nadella became CEO and shifted Microsoft's focus toward cloud computing with Azure expansion.

2023

Microsoft invested $10 billion in OpenAI and integrated AI capabilities across its product suite, including Google competitor Bing.

FAQs

Who owns Microsoft?
Microsoft is publicly owned with shares traded on NASDAQ. Major institutional investors include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street. Bill Gates retains a small ownership stake after selling most shares for philanthropy.
When did Microsoft come out?
Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bill Gates and Paul Allen started the company to develop BASIC interpreter software for the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer.
Who made Microsoft logo?
Scott Baker designed the current Microsoft logo in 2012. The design features four colored squares representing Windows, Office, Xbox, and Bing. Previous logos evolved through several iterations since 1975.
Is Microsoft an American company?
Yes, Microsoft is an American multinational corporation. The company is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, and incorporated in the state of Washington. It operates globally with offices in over 100 countries.