Microsoft is one of the world’s biggest tech firms and, in 2021, generated over $168 billion in revenues, which included Office software, servers, cloud services, games, mobile phones, and the LinkedIn social media platform.
Microsoft is best known for its Windows operating system, Office suite of applications, and Internet Explorer web browser. In addition, the company produces Surface series touchscreen personal computers as well as Xbox video game consoles.
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Microsoft Corporation designs, licenses, and supports a range of software systems. Their flagship offerings are the Windows OS and Office suite of productivity programs; hybrid tablet computers; email/social networking services, and computer peripherals. This firm also offers its corporate headquarters in Redmond, Washington, in the United States.
Microsoft Office Suite includes essential applications that perform various functions, including word processing, spreadsheet creation, presentation creation, database management, and document storage. Individuals and organizations use Microsoft’s applications worldwide to enhance productivity, communication, and information services.
Microsoft’s business applications are sold as the Microsoft Office Suite and are preinstalled on most new desktop computers. This suite consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote applications typically heavily utilized by end users. In contrast, lesser-used ones like Access Publisher are often overlooked – all working seamlessly to form an integrated environment.
Microsoft software is used globally by business users, gamers, and others. The company provides various operating systems, applications, and services – from word processors and spreadsheets programs to Windows smartphones, Xbox video game consoles, and Skype telephony services – for business or leisure consumption.
Microsoft was established by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 after they successfully converted BASIC, an early mainframe computer programming language, for personal computers. Their inaugural product was the BASIC-based Altair microcomputer.
IBM approached Microsoft in the mid-1980s to develop essential software for its PCs, and the latter created MS-DOS as part of the IBM PC launch in 1981.
Microsoft first established itself through MS-DOS and later expanded into business software, office products, video games, devices, and cloud services like Azure; its cloud service being one of its fastest growing business units and other major products such as Surface touch screen PCs, GitHub social media software and the Bing search engine is among them.
Microsoft’s Surface line of 2-in-1 tablet PCs and laptops has quickly become one of its top sellers. Recently, they added models that make this versatile lineup even more helpful and efficient.
The initial Surface device ran Windows RT and featured innovative physical features like a kickstand, magnetic keyboard that doubled as a cover, and power-saving Arm chip, providing impressive battery life. Due to its popularity, Dell, HP, and Lenovo created similar offerings.
Microsoft has often been criticized for its employment practices, particularly its use of permatemp employees and forced retention tactics. Yet, due to its software’s ease of use and robustness, it remains one of the dominant forces in the business industry. Considered one of the “Big Five” information technology firms in America alongside Alphabet (parent company of Google), Apple, and Amazon, its products include Microsoft Office suite, Internet Explorer/Edge browsers, and many others.
Microsoft produces and develops an expansive array of software systems and related products, such as operating systems for computers and devices, productivity applications, computer game software, business solution application development tools, database management systems, and online advertising services. Furthermore, the company sells hardware, including PCs, tablets, hybrid tablet computers, video game consoles, and online services like email and search engines.
Microsoft generates revenue through various channels, such as direct sales programs, licensing solutions partners (LSP), value-added resellers, and original equipment Manufacturers (OEM). Furthermore, the company maintains an extensive network of partner advisors who support its product offerings.
Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, serves businesses across various industries. The service aims to provide flexible yet scalable infrastructure for developing and hosting apps and data, including those of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs in the UK who recently used it to migrate their databases in one of the most significant migrations ever undertaken by any tax agency.
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