Microsoft

# Microsoft Corporation

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Who / What

Microsoft is an American multinational technology conglomerate specializing in software development, cloud computing, and hardware manufacturing. Founded on April 4, 1975, it revolutionized personal computing with iconic products like Windows and Office before diversifying into AI, gaming, and enterprise solutions.

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Background & History

Microsoft was founded by **Paul Allen** and **Bill Gates** in **Redmond, Washington**, initially as a software development company for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. The company gained prominence with the release of MS-DOS (1981) and Windows (1985), becoming synonymous with personal computing. Key milestones include:

Acquisition of **Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)** in 1987.

Launch of **Windows NT** (1993).

Pivot to cloud services with **Azure** (2012) and acquisition of **LinkedIn** (2016).

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Why Notable

Microsoft’s influence spans decades, shaping digital infrastructure through software dominance (e.g., Windows OS), cloud computing (Azure), and AI advancements. Its stock is among the most valuable globally, and its brand remains a cornerstone of tech innovation. The company also drives economic impact via hardware sales (Xbox, Surface) and enterprise solutions.

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In the News

As a leader in AI (e.g., Copilot integration) and cloud computing, Microsoft continues to expand its ecosystem with acquisitions like **Activision Blizzard** (2023). Recent focus includes sustainability initiatives (e.g., carbon-neutral goals by 2030) amid regulatory scrutiny over antitrust concerns.

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Key Facts

**Type:** Company / Conglomerate

**Also known as:**

Microsoft Corporation

MSFT (stock ticker)

**Founded / Born:** April 4, 1975 (Redmond, Washington, USA)

**Key dates:**

1980: First public stock offering.

1996: Acquired **Time Warner’s Internet business** (later sold).

2007: Launched Windows Vista.

2023: Announced $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

**Geography:** Headquartered in the U.S. (Redmond, Washington); operates globally.

**Affiliation:**

Industry: Software/Technology

Field: Personal computing → Cloud/AI/gaming

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Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Founded in 1975, the company became influential in the rise of personal computers through software like Windows, and has since expanded to Internet services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, video gaming, and other fields. Often described as a Big Tech company, Microsoft is the largest software company by revenue, one of the most valuable public companies, and one of the most valuable brands globally.