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History of Microsoft Timeline
(1975 - Present)Microsoft is one of the world's most influential technology companies. Founded in 1975 by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen, it began by developing software for early personal computers and rose to dominance with MS-DOS and Windows operating systems. Over the decades, Microsoft expanded into office productivity software (Microsoft Office), gaming (Xbox), cloud computing (Azure), and artificial intelligence, becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world. More Less
Founding and Early Years
Microsoft founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen
Apr 4, 1975
Childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800. The company's name combined 'microcomputer' and 'software,' reflecting its mission to put a computer on every desk.
Image source: Microsoft
Microsoft moves headquarters to Bellevue, Washington
Jan 1, 1979
Microsoft relocated from Albuquerque to Bellevue, Washington, placing itself near a growing technology community in the Pacific Northwest and closer to key customers and talent.
Deal with IBM to provide MS-DOS
Nov 6, 1980
Microsoft signed a landmark agreement with IBM to supply an operating system for IBM's new personal computer. Microsoft purchased 86-DOS, adapted it as PC DOS/MS-DOS, and crucially retained the right to license it to other manufacturers, fueling explosive growth.
Image source: MS-DOS
IBM Personal Computer launches with MS-DOS
Aug 12, 1981
The IBM PC launched running Microsoft's operating system, establishing MS-DOS as the de facto standard for personal computing and transforming Microsoft from a small programming language vendor into an industry powerhouse.
Image source: IBM Personal Computer
Microsoft moves headquarters to Redmond campus
Feb 26, 1986
Microsoft moved its corporate headquarters to a new campus in Redmond, Washington, which grew over the decades into a sprawling complex of dozens of buildings housing tens of thousands of employees.
Image source: Microsoft campus
Microsoft goes public with IPO
Mar 13, 1986
Microsoft held its initial public offering at $21 per share, raising $61 million. The IPO created thousands of employee millionaires over time and made Bill Gates one of the world's wealthiest people.
Image source: History of Microsoft
Steve Ballmer becomes CEO
Jan 13, 2000
Bill Gates stepped down as CEO, handing leadership to longtime executive Steve Ballmer while remaining chairman and chief software architect. Ballmer led Microsoft through the rise of the internet era, Xbox, and cloud beginnings.
Image source: Steve Ballmer
Windows Era
First version of Windows released
Nov 20, 1985
Microsoft released Windows 1.0, a graphical operating environment layered on top of MS-DOS that introduced mouse-driven windows, icons, and menus, laying the groundwork for its dominant graphical interface strategy.
Windows 3.0 achieves major commercial success
May 22, 1990
Windows 3.0 sold millions of copies thanks to improved graphics, virtual memory support, and program manager interface, cementing Windows as the dominant PC platform and making Microsoft the world's largest software company.
Image source: Windows 3.0
Windows 95 launch event
Aug 24, 1995
Windows 95 launched amid massive marketing fanfare, including the Rolling Stones' 'Start Me Up.' It introduced the Start menu and taskbar, sold seven million copies in five weeks, and defined the modern desktop computing experience.
Key Facts
- Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to develop software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer.
- In 1980, Microsoft struck a landmark deal with IBM to provide the MS-DOS operating system for IBM's first personal computer, launching the company toward industry dominance.
- Windows 1.0 launched in 1985, and Windows 95 became a cultural phenomenon that cemented Microsoft's control of the PC operating system market.
- Microsoft went public in 1986 with an IPO priced at $21 per share, instantly creating billionaires and millionaires among its early employees.
- Under CEO Satya Nadella (since 2014), Microsoft transformed into a cloud-first company, with Azure becoming one of the world's largest cloud platforms alongside major investments in AI.
Source
This History of Microsoft timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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