Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a global technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft develops, licenses and supports a broad range of software products, services and devices for consumers, enterprises and governments worldwide. Its operations span personal computing, productivity software, cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications, developer tools and gaming.
Microsoft’s product portfolio includes the Windows operating system and the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity and collaboration tools (Office apps, Outlook, Teams). The company is a major provider of cloud computing services through Microsoft Azure, offering infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, data and AI services, and hybrid cloud solutions. Other core products and services include Dynamics 365 business applications, SQL Server, Visual Studio and GitHub for developers, as well as LinkedIn for professional networking and Xbox and Surface hardware for consumer and gaming markets. Microsoft also provides enterprise support, consulting and managed services.
The company serves a global customer base, including individual consumers, small and medium businesses, large enterprises, educational institutions and public-sector organizations across multiple geographies. Microsoft has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including Skype, LinkedIn (2016) and GitHub (2018), and has increasingly emphasized cloud, artificial intelligence and platform services as central elements of its strategy.
Microsoft is led by Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, who has overseen a strategic shift toward cloud-first and AI-enabled products and services. The company continues to invest in research and development, partnerships and platform integration to support cross-industry digital transformation and developer ecosystems worldwide.
