Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Its best-known software products are the Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity applications, the Azure cloud computing platform and the Edge web browser. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 14 in the 2022 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; and it was the world's largest software maker by revenue in 2022 according to Forbes Global 2000. It is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, and Meta.
microsoft

Some of the key events about Microsoft

  • 1975
    Founded as a software company to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800
  • 1975
    Accused of unfair licensing practices for BASIC interpreter
  • 1981
    Released MS-DOS, which became the standard operating system for personal computers
  • 1985
    Launched the first version of Microsoft Windows, a graphical user interface for MS-DOS
  • 1989
    Introduced Microsoft Office, a suite of productivity applications
  • 1995
    Released Windows 95, a major upgrade that integrated MS-DOS with Windows
  • 1998
    Sued by US Department of Justice for monopolistic practices
  • 2001
    Entered the gaming console market with the Xbox
  • 2001
    Criticized for security vulnerabilities in Windows XP
  • 2003
    Launched Windows Server 2003, enhancing its presence in enterprise computing
  • 2004
    Fined €497 million by European Commission for anti-competitive behavior
  • 2006
    Delayed release of Windows Vista, disappointing customers and partners
  • 2007
    Faced antitrust complaints over Office Open XML standardization
  • 2009
    Fined €561 million by European Commission for failing to offer browser choices
  • 2010
    Released Windows Phone 7, marking its entry into the smartphone operating system market
  • 2011
    Accused of avoiding UK taxes through offshore arrangements
  • 2013
    Criticized for collaboration with NSA on user data access
  • 2014
    Acquired Mojang, the company behind the popular game Minecraft
  • 2016
    Completed the acquisition of LinkedIn, expanding into professional networking services
  • 2016
    Sued for $10 billion over alleged forced Windows 10 upgrades

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Microsoft Latest news

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Society, Culture • September 13 2024, 07:54 AM  •  142 views
Retiree's Guide: Optimizing a £1.25M Portfolio for Income and Growth

Retiree's Guide: Optimizing a £1.25M Portfolio for Income and Growth

A 73-year-old retiree seeks advice on managing a £1. 25M portfolio. Recommendations include reducing tech exposure, adding income investments, and diversifying assets for a balanced retirement strategy.

Business, Economics • September 12 2024, 06:18 AM  •  895 views
AI Experiments Expose Businesses to Unprecedented Cyber Risks

AI Experiments Expose Businesses to Unprecedented Cyber Risks

AI adoption in businesses inadvertently creates new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Experts warn of "promptware" attacks and the risks of exposing sensitive data to AI models, urging caution in AI implementation.

Society, Business • September 9 2024, 09:22 AM  •  331 views
Darktrace CEO Steps Down Amid $5.4 Billion Privatization Deal

Darktrace CEO Steps Down Amid $5.4 Billion Privatization Deal

Poppy Gustafsson, CEO of Darktrace, resigns as the cybersecurity firm prepares to go private. The move follows the recent death of Mike Lynch, a key backer, and precedes a $5.4 billion takeover by Thoma Bravo.

Business • September 6 2024, 08:12 AM  •  662 views
Flexible Work Revolution: The Promise and Perils of Compressed Hours

Flexible Work Revolution: The Promise and Perils of Compressed Hours

Government plans to make flexible working default, including compressed hours. While potentially boosting productivity and work-life balance, concerns arise about exploitation and stress in a 4-day work week.

Society, Business • September 2 2024, 05:07 AM  •  40 views
Labour's Flexible Work Plan: Four-Day Week on the Horizon?

Labour's Flexible Work Plan: Four-Day Week on the Horizon?

Labour proposes legislation for flexible working as default, including compressed hours. Companies can refuse if "not reasonably feasible". Debate ensues over productivity impacts and business concerns.

Business, Economics, Politics • August 31 2024, 03:59 AM  •  1457 views
UK Workers to Gain Right to Demand Four-Day Week in New Labour Law

UK Workers to Gain Right to Demand Four-Day Week in New Labour Law

Labour plans to introduce legislation this autumn granting workers the right to request compressed hours. The move aims to boost productivity and retention, but faces opposition from Conservative critics.

Business, Politics • August 29 2024, 08:38 PM  •  2362 views
AI Integration: Balancing Progress and Preserving Human Skills

AI Integration: Balancing Progress and Preserving Human Skills

As AI becomes more prevalent, concerns about deskilling and over-reliance on technology grow. Experts warn of potential risks in various fields, urging a balanced approach to AI integration.

Society, Science • August 26 2024, 10:07 AM  •  0 views