Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft began in 1975, when Bill Gates and Paul Allen started a company to develop software for the Altair 8800, an early personal computer. Microsoft’s own account presents that origin as a response to the emerging microcomputer market, while its latest annual report confirms the 1975 founding date and describes the company as a developer of software, services, devices, and solutions. [1] [2]

In fiscal 2025, Microsoft described its mission as empowering every person and organization to achieve more and framed artificial intelligence as a shift affecting the technology stack. Its portfolio spans cloud computing, productivity and collaboration, personal computing, server software, gaming, advertising, devices, and developer tools. The annual report recorded $281.7 billion in revenue, $168.9 billion in Microsoft Cloud revenue, and Azure revenue above $75 billion for the year. [2]

Microsoft’s reportable segments are Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing. The filing identifies Microsoft 365, LinkedIn, Dynamics, Azure and other server/cloud services, Windows and devices, and Xbox among the associated offerings, and places the corporate headquarters at One Microsoft Way in Redmond, Washington. Redmond also remains a major engineering and operations base, alongside Microsoft’s international offices, datacenters, and research facilities. [2] [3]