Microsoft

Technology

Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft creates software, cloud services, and devices. Its Azure cloud platform and Microsoft 365 productivity suite are used by hundreds of millions of people and organisations worldwide.

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Official Microsoft Careers Website

Quick Facts

Founded: 1975
Founders: Bill Gates & Paul Allen
Headquarters: Redmond, Washington
Industry: Technology

About Microsoft

Microsoft was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1975, when Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. The company relocated to Washington state and went public in 1986. Windows and Office became defining products of the personal computing era.

Microsoft's transition to cloud computing accelerated significantly after Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014, repositioning Azure as the company's primary growth engine. Major acquisitions have since included LinkedIn (2016), GitHub (2018), and Activision Blizzard (2022).

What Microsoft Does

Productivity & Business Processes

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook), LinkedIn, and Dynamics 365 business applications.

Intelligent Cloud

Azure cloud platform, GitHub, SQL Server, and enterprise server products.

More Personal Computing

Windows OS, Xbox gaming (hardware and Game Pass), Surface devices, and Bing.

Career Areas

Types of professional roles found inside Microsoft.

Software Engineering
Program Management
Data Science & AI
Cloud & Infrastructure
Sales & Account Management
Marketing
Finance
Security
Design
Human Resources

Microsoft's History

1975
Founded
Bill Gates and Paul Allen found Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
1986
IPO
Microsoft lists on NASDAQ.
1995
Windows 95 and Internet Explorer
Windows 95 and Internet Explorer launch, establishing Microsoft's dominance in desktop computing and web browsing.
2014
Satya Nadella becomes CEO
Satya Nadella appointed CEO; Microsoft pivots to a cloud-first, mobile-first strategy centred on Azure.
2018
GitHub acquired
Microsoft acquires GitHub, the world's largest code hosting platform.
2022
Activision Blizzard acquired
Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard, significantly expanding its gaming portfolio.

Purpose & Values

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

Microsoft describes this mission as driving everything it builds â€” from productivity software to cloud infrastructure and AI investments.

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