Microsoft is one of the world’s largest technology companies, best known for developing the Windows operating system, Microsoft 365 productivity software, Azure cloud computing services, Xbox gaming products, and AI-powered technologies such as Microsoft Copilot. Founded in 1975, the company has played a central role in the personal computer revolution and remains a major force in cloud computing, enterprise software, gaming, and artificial intelligence.1

Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The company’s original mission was to create software for personal computers, beginning with software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer.

During the 1980s, Microsoft partnered with IBM to provide the MS-DOS operating system for IBM PCs. This partnership established Microsoft as the dominant software company in the rapidly growing personal computer industry.

In 1985, Microsoft introduced Windows, a graphical operating system that eventually became the most widely used desktop operating system in the world.

Throughout the following decades, Microsoft expanded into productivity software, enterprise services, gaming, cloud computing, developer tools, and artificial intelligence.2

Microsoft’s official mission statement is:

“To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

The company emphasises innovation, security, accessibility, sustainability, responsible AI, and digital inclusion.1

Operating Systems

• Microsoft Windows
• Windows Server

Windows remains the world’s most widely used desktop operating system.

Productivity Software

Microsoft 365 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, and OneDrive. These applications are used by hundreds of millions of individuals, businesses, and educational institutions worldwide.

Cloud Computing

Microsoft Azure is one of the world’s largest cloud platforms. Services include Virtual Machines, AI Services, Databases, Storage, Networking, Kubernetes, DevOps, Security, and Analytics. Azure competes with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud.1

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft has become one of the leading companies in AI. Major AI products include Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, GitHub Copilot, AI Builder, and Azure OpenAI Service. AI capabilities are integrated into Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, GitHub, and many enterprise products.

Gaming

Microsoft owns the Xbox gaming business. Major gaming products include Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft has also acquired several major game studios, including Bethesda Softworks, Activision Blizzard, and Mojang Studios (creator of Minecraft).

Hardware

Microsoft manufactures hardware such as Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Surface Studio, Surface Hub, Surface Go, Xbox consoles, and accessories.

Developer Tools

Popular development products include Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, GitHub,.NET, and PowerShell. These tools are widely used by software developers around the world.

Microsoft reports its business across three primary segments:

Productivity and Business Processes

Includes Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, Dynamics 365, and LinkedIn.

Intelligent Cloud

Includes Azure, Windows Server, SQL Server, and Enterprise Services.

More Personal Computing

Includes Windows, Surface, Bing, Xbox, and Advertising.

Microsoft owns or operates numerous well-known brands, including Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, Xbox, GitHub, LinkedIn, Skype, Surface, Bing, Microsoft Edge, Power BI, Dynamics 365, Visual Studio, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft promotes a culture centred on innovation, customer focus, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, responsible AI, and sustainability. Its stated corporate values are respect, integrity, and accountability.1

Microsoft has announced long-term environmental goals, including commitments to become carbon negative, be water positive, reduce waste, protect ecosystems, and increase renewable energy use. The company regularly publishes sustainability and environmental reports.1

Microsoft invests billions of dollars annually in research and development. Key areas include Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Mixed Reality, Cloud Infrastructure, Robotics, and Healthcare Technology. Its research organisation has contributed to advances in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

Some of Microsoft’s notable acquisitions include:

Microsoft is consistently among the world’s largest companies by market capitalisation and is a leader in desktop operating systems, enterprise software, cloud computing, productivity software, business AI, and gaming platforms. Its products are used by individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and governments in countries around the world.

• Microsoft celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.2
• Windows powers the majority of desktop PCs globally.
• Azure is one of the leading cloud platforms worldwide.
• Microsoft owns GitHub, one of the largest software development platforms.
• Minecraft, owned by Microsoft through Mojang, is the best-selling video game of all time.
• The company has increasingly focused on integrating AI across its products, especially through Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI.2

Microsoft Corporation is a global technology company founded in 1975 that develops software, cloud services, AI platforms, gaming products, business applications, and hardware. Its flagship offerings include Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, Xbox, Surface, and Copilot. With operations spanning consumer, enterprise, and developer markets, Microsoft remains one of the most influential companies in the technology industry, with a mission to empower people and organisations through digital innovation.1

1. Our Mission and Values | About Microsoft
2. Microsoft is now 50 years old