HISTORY OF MICROSOFT:

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, has become a global leader in the
personal computer operating system market with MS-DOS and Windows. Since its initial public
offering in 1986, the company has made several corporate acquisitions, including LinkedIn and
Skype Technologies. As of 2015, Microsoft is market-dominant in the IBM PC compatible operating
system market and office software suite market, but has lost most of the overall operating system
market to Android.

Microsoft has also produced various consumer and enterprise software for desktops, laptops,
tabs, gadgets, and servers, including Internet search, digital services, mixed reality (HoloLens),
cloud computing (Azure), and software development. Steve Ballmer replaced Gates as CEO in
2000 and later envisioned a "devices and services" strategy. This led to the acquisition of Danger
Inc. in 2008, the launch of the Microsoft Surface line of tablet computers in 2012, and the
formation of Microsoft Mobile through the acquisition of Nokia's devices and services division.

Microsoft has been criticized for its monopolistic practices and software issues, with criticisms
focusing on ease of use, robustness, and security. From 1985 to 2019, Microsoft expanded its
product line into computer networking and the World Wide Web, with notable releases like
Windows 8/8.1, Xbox One, Outlook.com, and Surface devices. In 2014, Satya Nadella took over
as CEO, and John W. Thompson became the second chairman in Microsoft's history.

From 2020 to present, Microsoft has made several acquisitions, including Affirmed Networks and
Xbox Series X/S. The company has also closed all retail stores due to health concerns and plans
to close its Mixer service.
The Revolution of Microsoft Word