Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a global technology company that develops software, cloud services, devices, gaming products and business solutions. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the company is best known for the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office productivity software. Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, and serves consumers, businesses, governments and educational institutions worldwide.
Microsoft’s productivity and business offerings include Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, along with collaboration tools including Teams. The company also operates LinkedIn, provides enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management software through Dynamics, and offers GitHub, a platform for software development and collaboration. Its artificial intelligence products include Copilot features integrated across several of its software and cloud offerings.
Through its Azure platform, Microsoft provides cloud computing, data storage, analytics, cybersecurity, database, artificial intelligence and developer services. The company also sells Windows licenses, Surface devices and related accessories, as well as search and digital advertising services through Bing and other products. Its gaming business includes Xbox consoles, accessories, first-party game development and distribution, Game Pass subscriptions, and the Activision Blizzard portfolio following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.
Microsoft operates across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Satya Nadella has served as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer since 2014, overseeing its expansion from a primarily software-focused business into a broad provider of cloud computing, enterprise technology, artificial intelligence and consumer services.
