Microsoft is a multinational technology company that focuses on the development of consumer software, computer hardware, and cloud computing services. The company’s headquarters are in Washington, DC, but its research laboratories are spread across the world.
The company’s products include the Windows operating system, office applications, and video games. It also owns the professional social networking site LinkedIn.
After a decade of business success, Microsoft branched out into the entertainment industry, releasing the Xbox video game console. This was followed by the Xbox 360, a more powerful gaming system. Both of these products faced strong competition from Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation.
Microsoft also entered the information services industry. In 1996, it formed MS News with NBC. These days, the company is focused on cloud computing through its Azure platform.
Microsoft’s products are used by millions of people around the world. One of its most popular products is Internet Explorer, the market-leading web browser.
Microsoft also makes hardware, including the Xbox 360 and Surface tablet computers. Additionally, the company manufactures and sells a wide range of computer peripherals.
The company’s products are known for their robustness and ease of use. Some critics claim that Microsoft’s sales practices discourage OS customers from trying other programs.
Microsoft has been sanctioned for its antitrust violations by the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the settlement did not require the company to remove Internet Explorer from Windows.
Despite the criticisms, Microsoft is the world’s largest application publisher. Products include Microsoft Office, which includes Word and PowerPoint, as well as Outlook.