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{{Use American English|date=April 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Microsoft Corporation
| logo = Microsoft logo and wordmark.svg
| caption = Microsoft's current logo since 2012
| logo_alt = A square divided into four sub-squares, colored red, green, yellow and blue (clockwise), with the company name appearing to its right.
| image = Microsoft building 17 front door.jpg
| image_caption = Building 17 on the [[Microsoft Redmond campus]] in [[Redmond, Washington]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{Unbulleted list|{{NASDAQ|MSFT}}|[[NASDAQ-100]] component|[[Dow Jones Industrial Average|DJIA]] component|[[S&P 100]] component|[[S&P 500]] component}}
| ISIN = US5949181045
| industry = {{Unbulleted list|[[Computer software]]|[[Computer hardware]]|[[Consumer electronics]]|[[Social networking service]]|[[Cloud computing]]|[[Video game industry|Video games]]|[[Internet]]|[[Corporate venture capital]]}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1975|04|04}} in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico|Albuquerque]], [[New Mexico]], U.S.
| founders = {{Plainlist|
* [[Bill Gates]]
* [[Paul Allen]]
}}
| hq_location = [[Microsoft Redmond campus|One Microsoft Way]]
| hq_location_city = [[Redmond, Washington|Redmond]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
* [[John W. Thompson]] ([[chairman]])
* [[Brad Smith (American lawyer)|Brad Smith]] ([[President (corporate title)|president]] and [[Chief legal officer|CLO]])
* [[Satya Nadella]] ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
* [[Bill Gates]] ([[technical advisor]])
}}
| products = {{Flatlist|
* [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
* [[Microsoft Office|Office]]
* [[Microsoft Servers|Servers]]
* [[Skype]]
* [[Microsoft Visual Studio|Visual Studio]]
* [[Microsoft Dynamics|Dynamics]]
* [[Xbox]]
* [[Microsoft Surface|Surface]]
* [[Microsoft Mobile|Mobile]]
* [[List of Microsoft software|List of software]]
}}
| services = {{Flatlist|
* [[Microsoft Azure|Azure]]
* [[Bing (search engine)|Bing]]
* [[LinkedIn]]
* [[Microsoft Developer Network|MSDN]]
* [[Office 365]]
* [[OneDrive]]
* [[Outlook.com]]
* [[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]]
* [[Microsoft Wallet|Wallet]]
* [[Windows Store]]
* [[Windows Update]]
* [[Xbox Live]]
}}
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{US$|110.360&nbsp;billion|link=yes}}<ref name="ER-FY18">{{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/earnings/FY-2018-Q4/press-release-webcast |title=Earnings Release FY18 Q4 |date=July 19, 2018 |website=Microsoft |accessdate=July 20, 2018}}</ref>
| revenue_year = 2018
| operating_income = {{Increase}} {{US$|35.058&nbsp;billion}}<ref name="ER-FY18" />
| income_year = 2018
| net_income = {{Increase}} {{US$|30.267&nbsp;billion}}<ref name="ER-FY18" />
| net_income_year = 2018
| assets = {{Increase}} {{US$|258.848&nbsp;billion}}<ref name="ER-FY18" />
| assets_year = 2018
| equity = {{Increase}} {{US$|82.718&nbsp;billion}}<ref name="ER-FY18" />
| equity_year = 2018
| num_employees = {{Increase}} 131,300<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.microsoft.com/facts-about-microsoft/#EmploymentInfo |title=Facts about Microsoft |website=Microsoft |accessdate=July 20, 2018}}</ref>
| num_employees_year = 2018
| subsid = [[List of mergers and acquisitions by Microsoft|List of Microsoft assets]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.microsoft.com/en-us|microsoft.com}}
}}

'''Microsoft Corporation''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|aɪ|k|r|ə|s|ɒ|f|t}},<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John C. |year=2008 |title=Longman Pronunciation Dictionary |edition=3rd |publisher=Longman |isbn=978-1-4058-8118-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Jones |first=Daniel |author-link=Daniel Jones (phonetician) |title=English Pronouncing Dictionary |editors=Peter Roach, James Hartmann and Jane Setter |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |orig-year=1917 |year=2003 |isbn=3-12-539683-2}}</ref> abbreviated as '''MS''') is an American [[multinational corporation|multinational]] [[technology company]] with headquarters in [[Redmond, Washington]]. It develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells [[computer software]], [[consumer electronics]], [[personal computers]], and related services. Its best known software products are the [[Microsoft Windows]] line of [[operating system]]s, the [[Microsoft Office]] [[office suite|suite]], and the [[Internet Explorer]] and [[Microsoft Edge|Edge]] [[web browser]]s. Its flagship hardware products are the [[Xbox]] [[video game console]]s and the [[Microsoft Surface]] lineup of [[touchscreen]] personal computers. As of 2016, it is the [[List of the largest software companies|world's largest software maker]] by revenue,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/global2000/list/#industry:Software%2520%2526%2520Programming |title=The World’s Biggest Public Companies |newspaper=Forbes |language=en|access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> and one of the [[List of corporations by market capitalization|world's most valuable companies]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ycharts.com/rankings/market_cap |title=Market Cap Rankings |publisher=Zacks Investment Research |work=Ycharts |date=April 8, 2012 |accessdate=April 9, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331002758/http://ycharts.com/rankings/market_cap |archivedate=March 31, 2012}}</ref> The word "Microsoft" is a [[portmanteau]] of "microcomputer" and "software".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/topic/Microsoft-Corporation |title=Microsoft Corporation |work=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>

Microsoft was founded by [[Bill Gates]] and [[Paul Allen]] on April 4, 1975, to develop and sell [[BASIC]] [[interpreter (computer software)|interpreters]] for the [[Altair 8800]]. It rose to dominate the [[personal computer]] operating system market with [[MS-DOS]] in the mid-1980s, followed by [[Microsoft Windows]]. The company's 1986 [[initial public offering]] (IPO), and subsequent rise in its share price, created three billionaires and an estimated 12,000 millionaires among Microsoft employees. Since the 1990s, it has increasingly diversified from the [[operating system]] market and has made a number of [[List of mergers and acquisitions by Microsoft|corporate acquisitions]], their largest being the acquisition of [[LinkedIn]] for $26.2 billion in December 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1271024/000110465916161289/a16-22816_18k.htm |title=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission – Linkedin |date=December 8, 2016 |work=US SEC |access-date=April 29, 2018 |quote=As a result of the Merger, a change in control of [Linkedin] occurred and [Linkedin] became a wholly-owned subsidiary of [Microsoft]. The transaction resulted in the payment of approximately $26.4 billion in cash merger consideration.}}</ref> followed by their acquisition of [[Skype Technologies]] for $8.5 billion in May 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-13343600 |title=Microsoft confirms takeover of Skype |publisher=BBC |date=May 10, 2011 |accessdate=April 29, 2018}}</ref>

{{As of|2015}}, Microsoft is market-dominant in the [[IBM PC-compatible]] operating system market and the [[office software suite]] market, although it has lost the majority of the overall operating system market to [[Android (operating system)|Android]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2490008/microsoft-windows/microsoft-gets-real--admits-its-device-share-is-just-14-.html |title=Microsoft gets real, admits its device share is just 14% |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=July 14, 2014 |website=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=[[IDG]]|access-date= |quote=[Microsoft's chief operating officer] Turner's 14% came from a new forecast released last week by Gartner, which estimated Windows' share of the shipped device market last year was 14%, and would decrease slightly to 13.7% in 2014. [..] Android will dominate, Gartner said, with a 48% share this year}}</ref> The company also produces a wide range of other consumer and enterprise software for desktops and servers, including [[Web search engine|Internet search]] (with [[Bing (search engine)|Bing]]), the digital services market (through [[MSN]]), mixed reality ([[Microsoft HoloLens|HoloLens]]), cloud computing ([[Microsoft Azure|Azure]]) and software development ([[Microsoft Visual Studio|Visual Studio]]).

[[Steve Ballmer]] replaced Gates as CEO in 2000, and later envisioned a "devices and services" strategy.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/microsoft-device-and-services-2013-8 |title=And Microsoft Is Giving Up On The Software Business! |last=Blodget |first=Henry |date=August 23, 2013 |work=Business Insider Australia|access-date=August 2, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> This began with the acquisition of [[Danger Inc.]] in 2008,<ref name="InformationWeek_Kin">{{cite web |url=http://www.informationweek.com/applications/notify-the-next-of-kin/d/d-id/1090416 |title=Notify The Next Of Kin |date=June 30, 2010 |work=[[InformationWeek]]}}</ref> entering the personal computer production market for the first time in June 2012 with the launch of the [[Microsoft Surface]] line of [[tablet computer]]s; and later forming [[Microsoft Mobile]] through the acquisition of [[Nokia]]'s devices and services division. Since [[Satya Nadella]] took over as CEO in 2014, the company has scaled back on hardware and has instead focused on [[cloud computing]], a move that helped the company's [[Share (finance)|shares]] reach its highest value since December 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37724557 |title=Microsoft sees shares hit record high |date=October 21, 2016|access-date=October 7, 2017 |website=[[BBC]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/03/microsofts-cloud-focus-could-mean-yet-more-layoffs/ |title=Microsoft's cloud focus could mean yet more layoffs |website=Engadget|access-date=October 7, 2017}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Microsoft|History of Microsoft Windows|Timeline of Microsoft}}

=== 1972–1985: The founding of Microsoft ===
[[File:1981BillPaul.jpg|thumb|left|[[Paul Allen]] and [[Bill Gates]] pose for the camera on October 19, 1981, surrounded by PCs after signing a pivotal contract with IBM.<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{rp|228|date=November 2012}}]]
Childhood friends [[Bill Gates]] and [[Paul Allen]] sought to make a [[business]] utilizing their shared skills in [[computer programming]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biography.com/people/bill-gates-9307520#early-life |title=Bill Gates |publisher=Biography.com |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2016}}</ref> In 1972 they founded their first company, named [[Traf-O-Data]], which sold a rudimentary computer to track and analyze automobile traffic data. While Gates enrolled at Harvard, Allen pursued a degree in computer science at Washington State University, though he later dropped out of school to work at [[Honeywell]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft Company History |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/microsoft-corporation-history/}}</ref> The January 1975 issue of ''[[Popular Electronics]]'' featured [[Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems]]'s (MITS) [[Altair 8800]] [[microcomputer]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/12/by_martin_finuc_2.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101055041/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/12/by_martin_finuc_2.html |archivedate=January 1, 2009 |title=Harvard Square newsstand sold the magazine that started a revolution |work=[[Boston.com]] |publisher=[[The New York Times Company]] |date=December 30, 2008 |last=Finucane |first=Martin}}</ref> which inspired Allen to suggest that they could program a [[BASIC]] [[interpreter (computing)|interpreter]] for the device. After a call from Gates claiming to have a working interpreter, MITS requested a demonstration. Since they didn't yet have one, Allen worked on a [[simulation|simulator]] for the Altair while Gates developed the interpreter. Although they developed the interpreter on a simulator and not the actual device, it worked flawlessly when they (in March 1975) demonstrated the interpreter to MITS in [[Albuquerque]], New Mexico. MITS agreed to distribute it, marketing it as [[Altair BASIC]].<ref name="Allan 2001">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/?id=FLabRYnGrOcC |title=A History of the Personal Computer |last=Allan |first=Roy A. |publisher=Allan Publishing |isbn=0-9689108-0-7 |year=2001 |accessdate=July 17, 2010}}</ref>{{rp|108, 112–114|date=November 2012}} Gates and Allen officially established Microsoft on April 4, 1975, with Gates as the [[Chief executive officer|CEO]].<ref name="BBCTL">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5085630.stm |title=Bill Gates: A Timeline |work=[[BBC News Online]] |publisher=BBC |date=July 15, 2006 |accessdate=July 17, 2010}}</ref> The original name of "Micro-Soft" was suggested by Allen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1995/10/02/206528/index.htm |date=October 2, 1995 |title=Bill Gates & Paul Allen Talk Check Out The Ultimate Buddy Act in Business History |work=[[Fortune Magazine]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |last=Schlender |first=Brent}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Allen |first=Paul |date=2011 |title=Paul Allen: Idea Man |publisher=Penguin Group |page=91 |url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=0141969385 |isbn=0-14-196938-5}}</ref> In August 1977 the company formed an agreement with ASCII Magazine in Japan, resulting in its first international office, "[[ASCII Microsoft]]".<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v10n8/192_Kay_Nishi_bridges_the_cul.php |title=Kay Nishi bridges the cultural gap |last=Staples |first=Betsy |journal=Creative Computing |volume=10 |issue=8 |page=192 |date=August 1984 |accessdate=July 15, 2010}}</ref> Microsoft moved to a new home in [[Bellevue, Washington]] in January 1979.<ref name="BBCTL" />

Microsoft entered the [[operating system]] (OS) business in 1980 with its own version of [[Unix]], called [[Xenix]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computersourcemag.com/articles/viewer.asp?a=695 |title=Under The Hood: Part 8 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901182630/http://www.computersourcemag.com/articles/viewer.asp?a=695 |archivedate=September 1, 2006 |work=Computer Source |last=Dyar |first=Dafydd Neal |date=November 4, 2002 |accessdate=July 14, 2010}}</ref> However, it was [[MS-DOS]] that solidified the company's dominance. After negotiations with [[Digital Research]] failed, [[International Business Machines|IBM]] awarded a contract to Microsoft in November 1980 to provide a version of the [[CP/M]] OS, which was set to be used in the upcoming [[IBM Personal Computer]] (IBM PC).<ref>{{cite book |title=Engines That Move Markets: Technology Investing from Railroads to the Internet and Beyond |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k9xS6t4ibxoC |year=2002 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-471-20595-1}}</ref> For this deal, Microsoft purchased a CP/M clone called [[86-DOS]] from [[Seattle Computer Products]], which it branded as MS-DOS, though IBM rebranded it to [[PC DOS]]. Following the release of the IBM PC in August 1981, Microsoft retained ownership of MS-DOS. Since IBM had [[copyright]]ed the IBM PC [[BIOS]], other companies had to [[Reverse engineering|reverse engineer]] it in order for non-IBM hardware to run as [[IBM PC compatible]]s, but no such restriction applied to the operating systems. Due to various factors, such as MS-DOS's available software selection, Microsoft eventually became the leading PC operating systems vendor.<ref name="Smart-Microsoft">{{cite journal |journal=Smart Computing |publisher=Sandhills Publishing Company |volume=6 |issue=3 |url=http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/r0603/09r03/09r03.asp&guid= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405051349/http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Farchive%2Fr0603%2F09r03%2F09r03.asp&guid= |dead-url=yes |archive-date=April 5, 2004 |title=Microsoft to Microsoft disk operating system (MS-DOS) |date=March 2002 |accessdate=August 18, 2008 |df=}}</ref><ref name="Blaxill Eckardt 2009">{{cite book |last1=Blaxill |first1=Mark |last2=Eckardt |first2=Ralph |title=The Invisible Edge: Taking Your Strategy to the Next Level Using Intellectual Property |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JO6kA0hebJIC&pg=PA210 |year=2009 |publisher=Portfolio |isbn=978-1-59184-237-8 |page=210}}</ref>{{rp|210|date=November 2012}} The company expanded into new markets with the release of the ''Microsoft Mouse'' in 1983, as well as with a publishing division named [[Microsoft Press]].<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{rp|232|date=November 2012}}
Paul Allen resigned from Microsoft in 1983 after developing [[Hodgkin's lymphoma|Hodgkin's disease]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2014643290_paulallen31.html |title=Paul Allen goes public with hard feelings toward Gates |work=The Seattle Times|access-date=January 4, 2018}}</ref> Allen claimed that Gates wanted to dilute his share in the company when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease because he didn’t think he was working hard enough.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371608/Bill-Gates-tried-cut-Paul-Allen-Microsoft-fell-ill-cancer.html |title=When billionaire geeks fall out: Bill, was the big meanie of Microsoft, claims co-founder who says Gates 'tried to cut him out when he got sick with cancer' |last=Bates |first=Daniel |date=March 30, 2011 |work=Mail Online|access-date=February 1, 2018 |last2=Duell |first2=Mark}}</ref> After leaving Microsoft, Allen lost billions of dollars on ill-conceived or mistimed technology investments. He later invested in low-tech sectors, sports teams, and commercial real estate.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2014/01/31/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-microsoft-billionaire-paul-allen-seattle-seahawks-owner/#48d64a5f6db1 |title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Microsoft Billionaire Paul Allen, Seattle Seahawks Owner |last=O'Connor |first=Clare |work=Forbes|access-date=February 1, 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

=== 1985–1994: Windows and Office ===
[[File:Microsoft Windows 1.0.png|thumb|left|[[Windows 1.0]] was released on November 20, 1985 as the first version of the Microsoft Windows line]]
Despite having begun jointly developing a new operating system, [[OS/2]], with IBM in August 1985,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pages.prodigy.net/michaln/history/pr/87apr_m3592.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410013835/http://pages.prodigy.net/michaln/history/pr/87apr_m3592.html|dead-url=yes|archive-date=April 10, 2010 |title=Microsoft OS/2 Announcement |date=April 10, 2010|access-date=August 9, 2017}}</ref> Microsoft released [[Microsoft Windows]], a graphical extension for MS-DOS, on November 20.<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{rp|242–243, 246|date=November 2012}} Microsoft moved its headquarters to Redmond on February 26, 1986, and on March 13 went [[public company|public]],<ref name="CBSCHRON">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/elements/2006/06/16/in_depth_business/timeline1720211.shtml |title=Microsoft Chronology |work=CBS News |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=August 5, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105185844/http://www.cbsnews.com/elements/2006/06/16/in_depth_business/timeline1720211.shtml |archivedate=November 5, 2008}}</ref> with the resulting rise in stock making an estimated four billionaires and 12,000 millionaires from Microsoft employees.<ref name="stockrich">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/29/business/yourmoney/29millionaire.html?ex=1275019200&en=de3d71cbbb7e06f8&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss |title=The Microsoft Millionaires Come of Age |last=Bick |first=Julie |date=May 29, 2005 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=July 3, 2006}}</ref> Microsoft released its version of OS/2 to [[original equipment manufacturer]]s (OEMs) on April 2, 1987.<ref name="Allan 2001" /> In 1990, due to the partnership with IBM, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] set its eye on Microsoft for possible [[collusion]], marking the beginning of over a decade of legal clashes with the U.S. government.<ref name="WiredUSDOJ">{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/2002/11/u-s-v-microsoft-timeline/ |title=U.S. v. Microsoft: Timeline |date=November 4, 2002 |work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419063415/http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/news/2002/11/35212 |archivedate=April 19, 2010 |deadurl=no |accessdate=July 17, 2010}}</ref> {{rp|243–244|date=November 2012}} Meanwhile, the company was at work on a [[32-bit]] OS, [[Microsoft Windows NT]], which was heavily based on their copy of the OS/2 code. It shipped on July 21, 1993, with a new [[modular programming|modular]] [[kernel (computing)|kernel]] and the [[Windows API|Win32]] [[application programming interface]] (API), making [[porting]] from [[16-bit]] (MS-DOS-based) Windows easier. Once Microsoft informed IBM of NT, the OS/2 partnership deteriorated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp |title=Windows Server 2003: The Road To Gold |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |work=winsupersite.com |publisher=Penton Media |date=January 24, 2003 |accessdate=July 15, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604082534/http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp |archivedate=June 4, 2010 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy}}</ref>

In 1990, Microsoft introduced its office suite, [[Microsoft Office]]. The suite bundled separate [[Productivity software|productivity applications]], such as [[Microsoft Word]] and [[Microsoft Excel]].<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{rp|301|date=November 2012}} On May 22, Microsoft launched [[Windows 3.0]], featuring streamlined [[user interface]] graphics and improved [[protected mode]] capability for the [[Intel 80386|Intel 386]] processor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itproportal.com/2010/05/22/microsoft-windows-30-20-years-today/ |title=Microsoft Windows 3.0 Is 20 Years Old Today!!! |work=ITProPortal |last=Athow |first=Desire |date=May 22, 2010 |accessdate=April 4, 2012}}</ref> Both Office and Windows became dominant in their respective areas.<ref name="1993-2001 market share">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1159610,00.asp |title=OS Market Share 1993–2001 – Windows 98 Put to the Test |work=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=August 1, 1998 |accessdate=July 3, 2010 |first=Michael |last=Miller}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/18462/a_peek_at_office_upgrade.html |title=A Peek at Office Upgrade |work=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=September 13, 2000 |last=McCracken |first=Harry |accessdate=July 4, 2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506065942/http://www.pcworld.com/article/18462/a_peek_at_office_upgrade.html |archivedate=May 6, 2009 |df=}}</ref>

On July 27, 1994, the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division filed a Competitive Impact Statement that said, in part: "Beginning in 1988, and continuing until July 15, 1994, Microsoft induced many OEMs to execute anti-competitive "per processor" licenses. Under a per processor license, an OEM pays Microsoft a royalty for each computer it sells containing a particular microprocessor, whether the OEM sells the computer with a Microsoft operating system or a non-Microsoft operating system. In effect, the royalty payment to Microsoft when no Microsoft product is being used acts as a penalty, or tax, on the OEM's use of a competing PC operating system. Since 1988, Microsoft's use of per processor licenses has increased."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/f0000/0045.htm |title=Competitive Impact Statement : U.S. v. Microsoft Corporation |publisher=Justice.gov |date= |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref>

=== 1995–2007: Foray into the Web, Windows 95, Windows XP, and Xbox ===
[[File:Xbox-console.jpg|thumb|left|Microsoft released the first installment in the [[Xbox]] series of consoles in 2001. The [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], graphically powerful compared to its rivals, featured a standard PC's 733 MHz Intel Pentium III processor.]]
Following Bill Gates's internal "Internet Tidal Wave memo" on May 26, 1995, Microsoft began to redefine its offerings and expand its product line into [[computer network]]ing and the [[World Wide Web]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/2009-1032-995681.html|title=Victor: Software empire pays high price|last=Borland|first=John|date=April 15, 2003|work=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116150815/http://news.cnet.com/2009-1032-995681.html|archive-date=2011-11-16|dead-url=|accessdate=July 16, 2010}}</ref> The company released [[Windows 95]] on August 24, 1995, featuring [[pre-emptive multitasking]], a completely new user interface with a novel [[Start menu|start button]], and 32-bit compatibility; similar to NT, it provided the Win32 API.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Smart Computing |publisher=Sandhills Publishing Company |volume=4 |issue=3 |url=http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/95win/95win02/95win02.asp&guid= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040706233547/http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Farchive%2F95win%2F95win02%2F95win02.asp&guid= |dead-url=yes |archive-date=July 6, 2004 |title=New And Improved |last=Cope |first=Jim |date=March 1996 |accessdate=July 16, 2010 |df=}}</ref><ref name="Pietrek 1996">{{Cite journal |url=http://cs.mipt.ru/docs/comp/eng/os/win32/win95_sys_progr_secr/main.pdf |title=Windows 95 Programming Secrets |last=Pietrek |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Pietrek |publisher=IDG |isbn=1-56884-318-6 |format=PDF |date=March 1996 |accessdate=July 17, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514140137/http://cs.mipt.ru/docs/comp/eng/os/win32/win95_sys_progr_secr/main.pdf |archivedate=May 14, 2011 |df=}}</ref>{{rp|20|date=November 2012}} Windows 95 came bundled with the [[online service]] [[MSN]] (which was at first intended to be a competitor to the Internet), and (for OEMs) [[Internet Explorer]], a [[web browser]]. Internet Explorer was not bundled with the retail Windows 95 boxes because the boxes were printed before the team finished the web browser, and instead was included in the Windows 95 Plus! pack.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-live/msn-inside-story |title=MSN: The Inside Story |work=Supersite for Windows |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |publisher=[[Penton Media]] |date=May 19, 2005 |accessdate=July 17, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523202530/http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/msn_inside_01.asp |archivedate=May 23, 2010}}</ref> Branching out into new markets in 1996, Microsoft and [[General Electric]]'s [[NBC]] unit created a new [[24/7]] cable news channel, [[MSNBC]].<ref name="APM-NewsArchives">{{cite web |url=http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/1996/07/15_mpp.html |title=Marketplace: News Archives |work=Marketplace |publisher=American Public Media |date=July 15, 1996 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040823174040/http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/1996/07/15_mpp.html |archivedate=August 23, 2004}}</ref> Microsoft created [[Windows CE 1.0]], a new OS designed for devices with low memory and other constraints, such as [[personal digital assistant]]s.<ref name="cehistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/ |last=Tilly |first=Chris |title=The History of Microsoft Windows CE |work=HPC:Factor |accessdate=August 18, 2008}}</ref> In October 1997, the Justice Department filed a motion in the Federal [[United States district court|District Court]], stating that Microsoft violated an agreement signed in 1994 and asked the court to stop the bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows.<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{rp|323–324|date=November 2012}}

[[File:300lx.jpg|thumb|In 1996, Microsoft released Windows CE, a version of the operating system meant for personal digital assistants and other tiny computers.]]
On January 13, 2000, Bill Gates handed over the CEO position to [[Steve Ballmer]], an old college friend of Gates and employee of the company since 1980, while creating a new position for himself as Chief [[Software architect|Software Architect]].<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{rp|111, 228|date=November 2012}}<ref name="BBCTL" /> Various companies including Microsoft formed the [[Trusted Computing Group|Trusted Computing Platform Alliance]] in October 1999 to (among other things) increase security and protect [[intellectual property]] through identifying changes in hardware and software. Critics decried the alliance as a way to enforce indiscriminate restrictions over how consumers use software, and over how computers behave, and as a form of [[digital rights management]]: for example the scenario where a computer is not only secured for its owner, but also secured against its owner as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/20/technology/20CODE.html?pagewanted=1 |title=Fears of Misuse of Encryption System Are Voiced |work=[[The New York Times]] |last=Markoff |first=John |date=June 20, 2002 |accessdate=July 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~fms27/papers/2003-stajano-shifting.pdf |last=Stajano |first=Frank |title=Security for whom? The shifting security assumptions of pervasive computing |series=Lecture Notes in Computer Science |journal=Software Security—Theories and Systems |volume=2609 |pages=16–27 |publisher=Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg |year=2003 |accessdate=July 6, 2010 |doi=10.1007/3-540-36532-X_2 |isbn=978-3-540-00708-1}}</ref> On April 3, 2000, a judgment was handed down in the case of ''[[United States v. Microsoft]]'',<ref name="usvms">{{cite web |title=United States v. Microsoft |url=http://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/ms_index.htm |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |accessdate=August 5, 2005}}</ref> calling the company an "abusive monopoly."<ref name="findingsoffact">{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Thomas Penfield |url=http://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/f3800/msjudgex.htm |title=U.S. vs. Microsoft findings of fact |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |date=November 5, 1999 |accessdate=August 18, 2008}}</ref> Microsoft later settled with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2004.<ref name="CBSCHRON" /> On October 25, 2001, Microsoft released [[Windows XP]], unifying the mainstream and NT lines of OS under the NT codebase.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/windows-xp2/wininfo-short-takes-windows-xp-launch-special-edition.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.is/20120526200156/http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/windows-xp2/wininfo-short-takes-windows-xp-launch-special-edition.aspx |dead-url=yes |archive-date=May 26, 2012 |title=WinInfo Short Takes: Windows XP Launch Special Edition |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |work=Windows IT Pro |publisher=Penton Media |date=October 26, 2001 |accessdate=July 16, 2010}}</ref> The company released the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] later that year, entering the [[game console]] market dominated by [[Sony]] and [[Nintendo]].<ref>{{cite press release |date=February 7, 2002 |title=NPD REPORTS ANNUAL 2001 U.S. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SALES SHATTER INDUSTRY RECORD |url=http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_020207.htm |location=[[Port Washington, New York]] |publisher=[[NPD Group]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040814133238/http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_020207.htm |archivedate=August 14, 2004 |access-date=January 28, 2015}}</ref> In March 2004 the [[European Union]] brought [[European Union Microsoft antitrust case|antitrust legal action against the company]], citing it abused its dominance with the Windows OS, resulting in a judgment of €497{{nbsp}}million ($613{{nbsp}}million) and requiring Microsoft to produce new versions of Windows XP without [[Windows Media Player]]: Windows XP Home Edition N and Windows XP Professional N.<ref name="CNN-MSfine">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/BUSINESS/03/24/microsoft.eu |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060413082435/http://www.cnn.com/2004/BUSINESS/03/24/microsoft.eu |archivedate=April 13, 2006 |title=Microsoft hit by record EU fine |work=CNN |date=March 25, 2004 |accessdate=August 14, 2010}}</ref><ref name="euantitrust">{{cite web |title=Commission Decision of 24.03.2004 relating to a proceeding under Article 82 of the EC Treaty (Case COMP/C-3/37.792 Microsoft) |publisher=Commission of the European Communities |url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:62004A0201:EN:NOT |date=April 21, 2004 |accessdate=August 5, 2005 |format=PDF}}</ref> In November 2005, the [[Xbox 360]] was released. There were two versions, a no-frills version for $299.99 and a bells-and-whistles version for $399.99.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/17/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |title=Microsoft sets price for Xbox 360 - Aug. 17, 2005 |last=Morris |first=Game Over is a weekly column by Chris |website=money.cnn.com|access-date=January 4, 2018}}</ref>

=== 2007–2011: Microsoft Azure, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Microsoft Stores ===
[[File:Steve Ballmer - MIX 2008.jpg|thumb|left|CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] at the [[MIX (Microsoft)|MIX]] event in 2008. In an interview about his management style in 2005, he mentioned that his first priority was to get the people he [[delegate]]s to in order. Ballmer also emphasized the need to continue pursuing new technologies even if initial attempts fail, citing the original attempts with Windows as an example.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steve Ballmer on management style |url=http://www.itworld.com/051109ballmerinterview |work=ITWorld |agency=CIO Asia |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=November 10, 2005 |first=Gerald |last=Wee |accessdate=January 29, 2011}}</ref>]]
Released in January 2007, the next version of Windows, [[Windows Vista|Vista]], focused on features, security and a redesigned user interface dubbed [[Windows Aero|Aero]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/windows-vista-ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html |title=Windows Vista Ultimate review |date=January 23, 2007 |accessdate=April 4, 2012 |last=Vamosi |first=Robert |work=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref><ref name="gatesrsa">{{cite web |url=http://www.informationweek.com/gates-says-security-is-job-one-for-vista-/d/d-id/1040561 |title=Gates Says Security Is Job One For Vista |date=February 14, 2006 |accessdate=April 4, 2012 |last=Ricadela |first=Aaron |work=[[InformationWeek]] |publisher=UBM TechWeb |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318064254/http://informationweek.com/news/180201580 |archivedate=March 18, 2012 |df=}}</ref> [[Microsoft Office 2007]], released at the same time, featured a "[[Ribbon (computing)|Ribbon]]" user interface which was a significant departure from its predecessors. Relatively strong sales of both products helped to produce a record profit in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/vista-gives-microsoft-view-of-record-profit-1-1316524 |title=Vista gives Microsoft view of record profit |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=April 27, 2007 |publisher=[[Johnston Press]] |accessdate=February 1, 2009}}</ref> The European Union imposed another fine of €899{{nbsp}}million ($1.4{{nbsp}}billion) for Microsoft's lack of compliance with the March 2004 judgment on February 27, 2008, saying that the company charged rivals unreasonable prices for key information about its [[Microsoft SQL Server|workgroup]] and [[Microsoft BackOffice Server|backoffice]] servers. Microsoft stated that it was in compliance and that "these fines are about the past issues that have been resolved".<ref name="msft_eufine_2008">{{cite news |title=AFP:EU hits Microsoft with record 899&nbsp;million euro antitrust fine |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iozBXlp2nzuVxnMx_SwmtKvi7C-w |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[Google News]] |publisher=[[Google]] |date=February 27, 2008 |accessdate=June 1, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430164250/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iozBXlp2nzuVxnMx_SwmtKvi7C-w |archivedate=April 30, 2008}}</ref> 2007 also saw the creation of a multi-core unit at Microsoft, following the steps of server companies such as Sun and IBM.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.serverwatch.com/trends/article.php/3657451/Microsoft-Multicore-and-the-Data-Center.htm |title=Microsoft, Multi-core and the Data Center}}</ref>

Gates retired from his role as Chief Software Architect on June 27, 2008, a decision announced in June 2006, while retaining other positions related to the company in addition to being an advisor for the company on key projects.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1977363,00.asp |title=Bill Gates Announces Resignation |authorlink=Natali Morris |last=Conte |first=Natali Del |work=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=June 15, 2006 |accessdate=July 17, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3357698/Bill-Gates-steps-down-as-Microsoft-head-to-concentrate-on-philanthropy.html |title=Bill Gates steps down as Microsoft head to concentrate on philanthropy |last=Beaumont |first=Claudine |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date=June 27, 2008 |accessdate=January 9, 2016}}</ref> [[Azure Services Platform]], the company's entry into the [[cloud computing]] market for Windows, launched on October 27, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/microsoft-launches-windows-azure/ |title=Microsoft launches Windows Azure |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |first=Ina |last=Fried |authorlink=Ina Fried |date=October 27, 2008 |accessdate=July 6, 2010}}</ref> On February 12, 2009, Microsoft announced its intent to open a chain of Microsoft-branded retail stores, and on October 22, 2009 the first retail [[Microsoft Store]] opened in [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]], Arizona; the same day [[Windows 7]] was officially released to the public. Windows 7's focus was on refining Vista with ease of use features and performance enhancements, rather than a large reworking of Windows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10163206-56.html |title=Microsoft follows Apple into the retail business |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |first=Ina |last=Fried |authorlink=Ina Fried |date=February 12, 2009 |accessdate=July 17, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/22/us-microsoft-store-idUSTRE59L5E220091022 |title=Long lines as Microsoft opens retail store |work=[[Reuters]] |publisher=[[Thomson Reuters]] |last=Gaynor |first=Tim |date=October 22, 2009 |accessdate=July 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33429899/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/ |title=Windows 7 operating system makes its debut |work=[[NBCNews.com]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal]] |agency=Associated Press |last=Mintz |first=Jessica |date=October 22, 2009 |accessdate=April 4, 2012}}</ref>

As the smartphone industry boomed in 2007, Microsoft had struggled to keep up with its rivals [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] and [[Google]] in providing a modern smartphone operating system. As a result, in 2010 Microsoft revamped their aging flagship mobile operating system, [[Windows Mobile]], replacing it with the new [[Windows Phone]] OS. Microsoft implemented a new strategy for the software industry that had them working more closely with smartphone manufacturers, such as [[Nokia]], and providing a consistent user experience across all smartphones using the Windows Phone OS. It used a new user interface design language, codenamed "Metro", which prominently used simple shapes, typography and iconography, utilizing the concept of minimalism. Microsoft is a founding member of the [[Open Networking Foundation]] started on March 23, 2011. Fellow founders were [[Google]], [[HP Networking]], [[Yahoo]], [[Verizon]], [[Deutsche Telekom]] and 17 other companies. This nonprofit organization is focused on providing support for a new [[cloud computing]] initiative called Software-Defined Networking.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.openflow.org/wp/2011/03/open-networking-foundation-formed-to-speed-network-innovation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326044008/http://www.openflow.org/wp/2011/03/open-networking-foundation-formed-to-speed-network-innovation/ |dead-url=yes |archive-date=March 26, 2011 |title=Open Networking Foundation News Release |first=David |last=Erickson |work=Openflow.org |date=March 21, 2011 |accessdate=May 29, 2011}}</ref> The initiative is meant to speed innovation through simple software changes in telecommunications networks, wireless networks, data centers and other networking areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/380663/google_other_titans_form_open_networking_foundation/?fp=4&fpid=78268965 |title="Google and other titans form Open Networking Foundation." Noyes, March 23, 2011 |work=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=March 23, 2011 |accessdate=May 29, 2011}}</ref>

=== 2011–2014: Windows 8/8.1, Xbox One, Outlook.com, and Surface devices ===
[[File:SurfacePro3.JPG|thumb|[[Surface Pro 3]], part of the [[Microsoft Surface|Surface]] series of laplets by Microsoft]]
[[File:Xbox One Console Set.jpg|thumb|[[Xbox One]] console]]
Following the release of [[Windows Phone]], Microsoft undertook a gradual [[rebranding]] of its product range throughout 2011 and 2012, with the corporation's logos, products, services and websites adopting the principles and concepts of the [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]].<ref name="WindowsPhone7UI">{{cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/wpdev/archive/2010/03/18/windows-phone-7-series-ui-design-amp-interaction-guide.aspx |title=Windows Phone 7 Series UI Design & Interaction Guide |accessdate=October 9, 2010 |date=March 18, 2010}}</ref> Microsoft unveiled [[Windows 8]], an operating system designed to power both personal computers and [[tablet computer]]s, in Taipei in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/article3479381.ece |title=Microsoft releases final test version of Windows 8 |work=[[Business Line]] |publisher=Kasturi & Sons |date=June 1, 2012 |accessdate=August 4, 2012}}</ref> A developer preview was released on September 13, which was subsequently replaced by a consumer preview on February 29, 2012 and released to the public in May.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/05/businessinsider-microsoft-spills-beans-on--at-ces-2011-1.DTL |title=OK, So Windows 8 Is Coming To ARM Tablets&nbsp;... Someday (MSFT) |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |first=Matt |last=Rosoff |date=January 5, 2011 |accessdate=January 5, 2011}}</ref> The [[Microsoft Surface|Surface]] was unveiled on June 18, becoming the first computer in the company's history to have its hardware made by Microsoft.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Mark |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/257840/microsoft_announces_new_surface_tablet_pc.html |title=Microsoft Announces New 'Surface' Tablet PC |publisher=PCWorld |date= |accessdate=June 19, 2012}}</ref><ref name="VF2012" /> On June 25, Microsoft paid US$1.2 billion to buy the social network [[Yammer]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft buys Internet startup Yammer for $1.2 billion |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-06-25/microsoft-yammer-aquisition/55811172/1 |work=[[USA Today]] |publisher=[[Gannett Company]] |first=Byron |last=Acohido |date=June 25, 2012 |accessdate=June 25, 2012}}</ref> On July 31, they launched the [[Outlook.com]] [[Webmail|webmail service]] to compete with [[Gmail]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-live/outlookcom-mail-microsoft-reimagines-webmail-143877 |title=Outlook.com Mail: Microsoft Reimagines Webmail |first=Paul |last=Thurrott |authorlink=Paul Thurrott |date=July 31, 2012 |work=Supersite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton Media]] |accessdate=August 1, 2012}}</ref> On September 4, 2012, Microsoft released [[Windows Server 2012]].<ref name="MSofficialRTM">{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/new.aspx |title=Windows Server 2012 "Save the Date" Announcement |date=August 8, 2012 |publisher=Microsoft |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107032736/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/new.aspx |archivedate=November 7, 2013}}</ref>

In July 2012, Microsoft sold its 50% stake in [[MSNBC.com]], which it had run as a joint venture with NBC since 1996.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Venkatesan |first1=Adithya |last2=Mukherjee |first2=Supantha |last3=Leske |first3=Nicola |title=Comcast buys Microsoft stake in MSNBC.com |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/16/us-msnbc-microsoft-idUSBRE86F04W20120716 |accessdate=February 13, 2015 |work=Reuters |date=July 16, 2012}}</ref> On October 1, Microsoft announced its intention to launch a news operation, part of a new-look [[MSN]], with Windows 8 later in the month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/01/us-microsoft-msn-idUSBRE8900WN20121001 |title=Microsoft launching news operation, new MSN |publisher=Reuters |accessdate=October 1, 2012 |first=Bill |last=Rigby |date=October 1, 2012}}</ref> On October 26, 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 and the [[Microsoft Surface]].<ref name="VF2012">Eichenwald, Kurt, [http://www.vanityfair.com/business/2012/08/microsoft-lost-mojo-steve-ballmer "Microsoft's Lost Decade: How Microsoft Lost Its Mojo"], ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'', August 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8s-delivery-date-october-26-7000001158/ |title=Windows 8's delivery date: October 26 |newspaper=ZDNet |date=July 18, 2012 |accessdate=September 17, 2012}}</ref> Three days later, [[Windows Phone 8]] was launched.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liveside.net/2012/08/30/mary-jo-foley-windows-phone-8-launch-dates-revealed/ |title=Mary Jo Foley: Windows Phone 8 launch date revealed |publisher=LiveSide.net |date=August 30, 2012 |accessdate=November 27, 2012}}</ref> To cope with the potential for an increase in demand for products and services, Microsoft opened a number of "holiday stores" across the U.S. to complement the increasing number of "bricks-and-mortar" Microsoft Stores that opened in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-prepping-everything-complete-brand-and-product-relaunch |title=Microsoft prepping for complete brand and product line relaunch, New York store coming the 26th |publisher=wpcentral.com |accessdate=November 3, 2012}}</ref> On March 29, 2013, Microsoft launched a Patent Tracker.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2013/03/28/microsoft-launches-patent-tracker-to-help-you-search-its-library-of-intellectual-property/ |title=Microsoft launches 'Patent Tracker' to help you search its library of intellectual property |work=The Next Web |date=March 28, 2013 |accessdate=March 29, 2013}}</ref>

The [[Kinect]], a motion-sensing input device made by Microsoft and designed as a [[Game controller|video game controller]], first introduced in November 2010, was upgraded for the 2013 release of the [[Xbox One]] video game console. Kinect's capabilities were revealed in May 2013: an ultra-wide 1080p camera, function in the dark due to an infrared sensor, higher-end processing power and new software, the ability to distinguish between fine movements (such as a thumb movements), and determining a user's heart rate by looking at their face.<ref>{{cite web |title=The all-seeing Kinect: tracking my face, arms, body and heart on the Xbox One |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/21/4353232/kinect-xbox-one-hands-on/in/4116279 |work=The Verge |publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc]] |accessdate=May 28, 2013 |first=David |last=Pierce |date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> Microsoft filed a patent application in 2011 that suggests that the corporation may use the Kinect camera system to monitor the behavior of television viewers as part of a plan to make the viewing experience more interactive. On July 19, 2013, Microsoft stocks suffered its biggest one-day percentage sell-off since the year 2000, after its fourth-quarter report raised concerns among the investors on the poor showings of both Windows 8 and the Surface tablet. Microsoft suffered a loss of more than US$32 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57594612-75/funky-friday-more-than-$32-billion-in-microsoft-stock-value-wiped-out/ |title=Funky Friday: More than $32 billion in Microsoft stock value wiped out &#124; Microsoft&nbsp;– CNET News |publisher=News.cnet.com |accessdate=July 21, 2013}}</ref> <!-- Generally we stick to products that are in the current annual report here--if you wish to add one that is not you need to provide a reference for it -->

In line with the maturing PC business, in July 2013, Microsoft announced that it would reorganize the business into four new business divisions: Operating System, Apps, Cloud, and Devices. All previous divisions will be diluted into new divisions without any workforce cut.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fiercemobileit.com/story/microsofts-sweeping-reorganization-shifts-focus-services-devices/2013-07-11 |title=Microsoft's sweeping reorganization shifts focus to services, devices |date=July 11, 2013}}</ref> On September 3, 2013, Microsoft agreed to buy [[Nokia]]'s mobile unit for $7 billion,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/2/4688530/microsoft-buys-nokias-devices-and-services-unit-unites-windows-phone/in/4453001 |title=Microsoft buying Nokia's phone business in a $7.2 billion bid for its mobile future}}</ref> following [[Amy Hood]] taking the role of CFO.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/08/us-microsoft-cfo-idUSBRE94711Q20130508 |title=Microsoft names insider Amy Hood as CFO |publisher=Reuters.com |date= |accessdate=April 18, 2014}}</ref>

=== 2014–present: Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, Microsoft Edge and HoloLens ===
==== Corporate affairs ====
On February 4, 2014, [[Steve Ballmer]] stepped down as [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] of Microsoft and was succeeded by [[Satya Nadella]], who previously led Microsoft's Cloud and Enterprise division.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to retire within 12 months |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2013/08/23/microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-to-retire-within-12-months/ |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823130816/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/aug13/08-23AnnouncementPR.aspx |archivedate=August 23, 2013 |df=}}</ref> On the same day, [[John W. Thompson]] took on the role of chairman, in place of Bill Gates, who continued to participate as a technology advisor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=David |first1=Javier E |title=Nadella named new Microsoft CEO as Gates era ends |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/business/microsoft-names-satya-nadella-ceo-2D12054182 |website=[[NBCNews.com]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205010025/http://www.nbcnews.com/business/microsoft-names-satya-nadella-ceo-2D12054182 |archivedate=February 5, 2014 |date=February 5, 2014}}</ref> Thompson became the second chairman in Microsoft's history.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theroot.com/john-w-thompson-to-become-1st-black-chairman-of-micros-1790874479 |title=John W. Thompson to Become 1st Black Chairman of Microsoft |last=Edwards |first=Breanna |work=The Root|access-date=February 1, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref>

On April 25, 2014, Microsoft acquired Nokia Devices and Services for $7.2 billion.<ref name="Microsoft to close its acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services business on April 25">{{cite web |title=Microsoft to close its acquisition of Nokia's devices and services business on April 25 |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-22/news/49318731_1_nokia-india-nokia-corp-microsoft-corp |publisher=The Economic Times |accessdate=May 25, 2016 |date=April 22, 2014}}</ref> This new subsidiary was renamed Microsoft Mobile Oy.<ref name="Nokia phone division to be renamed Microsoft Mobile, reveals leaked letter">{{cite web |last1=Borges |first1=Andre |title=Nokia phone division to be renamed Microsoft Mobile, reveals leaked letter |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report-nokia-phone-division-to-be-renamed-microsoft-mobile-reveals-leaked-letter-1980628 |publisher=dna |accessdate=May 25, 2016 |date=April 21, 2014}}</ref>
In May 2016, the company announced it was laying off 1,850 workers, and taking an impairment and restructuring charge of $950 million. During the previous summer of 2015 the company lost $7.6 billion related to its mobile-phone business, firing 7,800 employees.<ref name="WSJ: Microsoft to Streamline Smartphone Hardware Business">{{cite web |last1=Greene |first1=Jay |title=Microsoft to Streamline Smartphone Hardware Business |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-to-streamline-smartphone-hardware-business-1464166803 |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |accessdate=May 25, 2016 |date=May 25, 2016}}</ref>

On September 15, 2014, Microsoft acquired the video game development company [[Mojang]], best known for ''[[Minecraft]]'', for $2.5 billion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Lee |title=It's official: Microsoft acquires Mojang and Minecraft for $2.5 billion |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/09/its-official-microsoft-acquires-mojang-and-minecraft-for-2-5-billion/ |publisher=Ars Technica |accessdate=September 19, 2014 |ref=152}}</ref> On June 8, 2017, Microsoft acquired Hexadite, an Israeli security firm, for $100 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dellinger |first1=AJ |title=Microsoft Buys Cybersecurity Company Hexadite To Respond To Cyberattacks |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/microsoft-buys-cybersecurity-company-hexadite-respond-cyberattacks-2549768 |publisher=[[International Business Times]] |date=June 8, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Microsoft agrees to buy U.S.-Israeli cyber firm Hexadite |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-m-a-hexadite-idUSKBN18Z1XP |publisher=Reuters |date=June 8, 2017}}</ref> As of 2017, the company is organised into three operating business units, and four operating development or engineering units.

On June 4, 2018 Microsoft officially announced the acquisition of [[GitHub]] for $7.5 billion, a deal that is expected to close by the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/2018/06/04/microsoft-to-acquire-github-for-7-5-billion/|title=Microsoft to acquire GitHub for $7.5 billion|last=|first=|date=|website=Microsoft|access-date=}}</ref>

==== Products ====
On January 21, 2015, Microsoft announced the release of their first [[Interactive whiteboard]], [[Surface Hub|Microsoft Surface Hub]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft at MWC 2015: Lumia 640 and 640 XL Announced, 4K 120Hz Surface Hub Demoed |url=http://anandtech.com/show/9030/microsoft-lumia-640-640-xl-4k-120hz-surface-hub |accessdate=September 27, 2015 |first=Ian Cutress, Andrei |last=Frumusanu}}</ref> On July 29, 2015, [[Windows 10]] was released,<ref name="Windows 10 Launches Worldwide">{{cite web |last1=Howse |first1=Brett |title=Windows 10 Launches Worldwide |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/9471/windows-10-launches-worldwide |publisher=AnandTech |accessdate=May 25, 2016 |date=July 29, 2015}}</ref> with its server sibling, [[Windows Server 2016]], released in September 2016.

In Q1 2015, Microsoft was the third largest maker of mobile phones, selling 33 million units (7.2% of all). While a large majority (at least <!--1 - (8271/33002)= -->75%) of them do not run any version of [[Windows Phone]] – those other phones are not categorized as [[smartphone]]s by Gartner – in the same time frame 8 million Windows smartphones (2.5% of all smartphones) were made by all manufacturers (but mostly by Microsoft).<ref name="Garner">{{cite press |url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3061917 |title=Gartner Says Emerging Markets Drove Worldwide Smartphone Sales to 19 Percent Growth in First Quarter of 2015 |publisher=Gartner |date=May 27, 2015 |accessdate=July 28, 2015}}</ref> Microsoft's share of the U.S. smartphone market in January 2016 was 2.7%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/microsoft-windows-mobile-strategy-change-173738169.html |title=Microsoft needs to change its mobile strategy or get out |last=Howley |first=Daniel |date=May 25, 2016 |website=[[Yahoo! Tech]] |access-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref>

On March 1, 2016, Microsoft announced the merger of its PC and Xbox divisions, with Phil Spencer announcing that Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps would be the focus for Microsoft's gaming in the future.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/01/microsoft-to-unify-pc-and-xbox-one-platforms-ending-fixed-console-hardware |title=Microsoft to unify PC and Xbox One platforms, ending fixed console hardware |first=Keith |last=Stuart |work=[[theguardian.com]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]}}</ref> On January 24, 2017, Microsoft showcased Intune for Education at the [[BETT]] 2017 education technology conference in [[London]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mehdi |first1=Yusuf |title=Announcing Intune for Education & new Windows 10 PCs for school starting at $189 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/01/24/announcing-intune-education-new-windows-10-pcs-school-starting-189/#bdsoyDTQ4EQqK1Lg.97 |website=The Official Microsoft Blog|access-date=January 25, 2017 |date=January 24, 2017}}</ref> Intune for Education is a new cloud-based application and device management service for the education sector.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/24/microsoft-launches-intune-for-education-to-counter-googles-chromebooks-in-schools/ |title=Microsoft launches Intune for Education to counter Google’s Chromebooks in schools |publisher=TechCrunch |author=Frederic Lardinois |date=January 24, 2017|access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref> Microsoft planned to launch a preview of Intune for Education "in the coming weeks", with general availability scheduled for spring 2017, priced at $30 per device, or through volume licensing agreements.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-introduces-intune-for-education-promising-simple-setup-and-management-of-devices |title=Microsoft introduces Intune for Education, promising simple setup and management of devices |publisher=Neowin |author=Andy Weir |date=January 24, 2017|access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref>

==== Services ====
In June 2016, Microsoft announced a project named Microsoft Azure Information Protection. It aims to help enterprises protect their data as it moves between servers and devices.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/22/microsoft-announces-new-data-protection-tool-to-help-enterprises-secure-their-data/ |title=Microsoft announces new data protection tool to help enterprises secure their data |work=Tech Crunch |date=June 22, 2016| access-date=June 23, 2016}}</ref> In November 2016, Microsoft joined the [[Linux Foundation]] as a Platinum member during Microsoft's Connect(); developer event in New York.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft has joined the Linux Foundation |url=https://www.linuxfoundation.org/announcements/microsoft-fortifies-commitment-to-open-source-becomes-linux-foundation-platinum |accessdate=November 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125174704/https://www.linuxfoundation.org/announcements/microsoft-fortifies-commitment-to-open-source-becomes-linux-foundation-platinum |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The cost of each Platinum membership is US$500,000 per year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft joined linux foundation with yearly platinum membership |url=https://www.lockssl.com/microsoft-joins-linux-foundation/ |publisher=Lock SSL |accessdate=November 24, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202005415/https://www.lockssl.com/microsoft-joins-linux-foundation/ |archivedate=February 2, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Some analysts deemed this unthinkable ten years prior, however, as in 2001 then-CEO Steve Ballmer called Linux "cancer".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/16/13651940/microsoft-linux-foundation-membership |title=Microsoft joins the Linux Foundation, 15 years after Ballmer called it 'cancer' |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=November 11, 2016 |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref>

In August 2018, Microsoft released two initiatives to protect cybersecurity and fight fake news, the first called Microsoft AccountGuard and the second called Defending Democracy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hackett |first1=Robert |title=Microsoft Offers Free Cybersecurity Tools to Political Candidates—But You've Got to Be a Microsoft Customer |url=http://fortune.com/2018/08/21/microsoft-free-cybersecurity-tools-midterm-election-facebook-google/ |accessdate=24 August 2018 |date=August 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lerman |first1=Rachel |title=Microsoft releases new security tools for political campaigns to combat hacking attempts |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-releases-new-security-tools-for-political-campaigns-to-combat-hacking-attempts/ |accessdate=24 August 2018 |publisher=The Seattle Times |date=August 20, 2018}}</ref>

In August 2018, [[Toyota Tsusho]] began a partnership with Microsoft to create [[fish farming]] tools using the [[Microsoft Azure]] application suite for [[Internet of things|IoT]] technologies related to water management. Developed in part by researchers from [[Kindai University]], the water pump mechanisms use [[artificial intelligence]] to count the number of fish on a [[conveyor belt]], analyze the number of fish, and deduce the effectiveness of water flow from the data the fish provide. The specific [[computer programs]] used in the process fall under the Azure Machine Learning and the Azure IoT Hub platforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/09/01/ai_roundup_310818/|title=Google goes bilingual, Facebook fleshes out translation and TensorFlow is dope - And, Microsoft is assisting fish farmers in Japan}}</ref>

On 10 October, 2018, Microsoft joined the [[Open Invention Network]] community despite holding more than 60,000 patents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/10/10/microsoft_open_invention_network/|title=Microsoft has signed up to the Open Invention Network. We repeat. Microsoft has signed up to the OIN}}</ref>

== Corporate affairs ==
{{See also|Criticism of Microsoft|Embrace, extend, and extinguish}}

=== Board of Directors ===
The company is run by a [[board of directors]] made up of mostly company outsiders, as is customary for publicly traded companies. Members of the board of directors as of January 2018 are [[Bill Gates]], [[Satya Nadella]], Reid Hoffman, Lee Johnson, Teri L. List-Stoll, [[Charles Noski]], [[Helmut Panke]], [[Sandi Peterson]], [[Penny Pritzker]], [[Charles W. Scharf]], Arne Sorenson, [[John W. Stanton]], [[John W. Thompson]] and [[Padmasree Warrior]].<ref name="MSPR-Board">{{cite press release |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/corporate-governance/board-of-directors.aspx |title=Microsoft Board of Directors |work=Microsoft News Center |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=Oct 8, 2016}}</ref> Board members are elected every year at the annual shareholders' meeting using a majority vote system. There are five committees within the board which oversee more specific matters. These committees include the Audit Committee, which handles accounting issues with the company including auditing and reporting; the Compensation Committee, which approves compensation for the CEO and other employees of the company; the Finance Committee, which handles financial matters such as proposing mergers and acquisitions; the Governance and Nominating Committee, which handles various corporate matters including nomination of the board; and the Antitrust Compliance Committee, which attempts to prevent company practices from violating [[antitrust]] laws.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft Corporation Corporate Governance Guidelines |url=http://www.microsoft.com/about/companyinformation/corporategovernance/guidelines.mspx |publisher=Microsoft |date=July 1, 2009 |accessdate=July 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410160421/http://www.microsoft.com/about/companyinformation/corporategovernance/guidelines.mspx |archive-date=April 10, 2010 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Financial ===
[[File:Microsoft 5-Year Stock History.svg|upright=1.6|thumb|left|Five year history graph of {{NASDAQ|MSFT}} stock on July 17, 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zenobank.com/index.php?symbol=MSFT&page=quotesearch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030114740/http://zenobank.com/index.php?symbol=MSFT&page=quotesearch |dead-url=yes |archive-date=October 30, 2008 |title=Five year history graph of (NASDAQ:MSFT) stock |work=ZenoBank |publisher=AlphaTrade |date=September 29, 2009 |accessdate=September 29, 2009}}</ref>]]

When Microsoft went public and launched its [[Initial Public Offering|initial public offering (IPO)]] in 1986, the opening [[stock]] price was $21; after the [[trading day]], the price closed at $27.75. As of July 2010, with the company's nine [[stock split]]s, any IPO [[share (finance)|shares]] would be multiplied by 288; if one were to buy the IPO today given the splits and other factors, it would cost about 9{{nbsp}}cents.<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{rp|235–236|date=November 2012}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/102018.asp |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |publisher=Hearst Seattle Media, LLC |date=March 14, 1986 |title=Microsoft stock is red hot on first trading day |last=Monkman |first=Carol Smith |page=B9 |accessdate=July 18, 2010}}</ref><ref name="MSSTOCK">{{cite web |url=http://performance.morningstar.com/stock/performance-return.action?p=dividend_split_page&t=MSFT&region=USA&culture=en-US&s=SPYZ |title=MSFT stock performance and split info |publisher=Morningstar, Inc. |accessdate=July 17, 2010}}</ref> The stock price peaked in 1999 at around $119 ($60.928 adjusting for splits).<ref name="stocksheet">{{cite web |title=Microsoft stock price spreadsheet from Microsoft investor relations |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/a/7/da7e8eca-4410-4475-a211-03327408b655/msftpricehist.xls |format=xls |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=August 18, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010091835/http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/a/7/da7e8eca-4410-4475-a211-03327408b655/msftpricehist.xls |archivedate=October 10, 2009 |df=}}</ref> The company began to offer a [[dividend]] on January 16, 2003, starting at eight cents per share for the fiscal year followed by a dividend of sixteen cents per share the subsequent year, switching from yearly to quarterly dividends in 2005 with eight cents a share per quarter and a [[special dividend|special one-time payout]] of three dollars per share for the second quarter of the fiscal year.<ref name="stocksheet" /><ref name="dividendfaq">{{cite web |title=Dividend Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.microsoft.com/msft/FAQ/dividend.mspx |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=August 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720122305/http://www.microsoft.com/msft/FAQ/dividend.mspx |archive-date=July 20, 2008 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Though the company had subsequent increases in dividend payouts, the price of Microsoft's stock remained steady for years.<ref name="dividendfaq" /><ref name="Yahoo-MSFTchart">{{cite web |title=Yahoo MSFT stock chart |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=MSFT&t=my |publisher=Yahoo Finance |accessdate=December 13, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123064835/https://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=MSFT&t=my |archivedate=January 23, 2008}}</ref>

[[Standard and Poor's]] and [[Moody's]] have both given a AAA rating to Microsoft, whose assets were valued at $41&nbsp;billion as compared to only $8.5&nbsp;billion in unsecured debt. Consequently, in February 2011 Microsoft released a corporate bond amounting to $2.25&nbsp;billion with relatively low borrowing rates compared to [[government bonds]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/04/us-microsoft-bonds-idUSTRE7128EZ20110204 |title=Microsoft sells $2.25&nbsp;billion of debt at low rates |publisher=Reuters |date=February 4, 2011}}</ref> For the first time in 20 years [[Apple Inc.]] surpassed Microsoft in Q1 2011 quarterly profits and revenues due to a slowdown in PC sales and continuing huge losses in Microsoft's Online Services Division (which contains its search engine [[Bing (search engine)|Bing]]). Microsoft profits were $5.2 billion, while Apple Inc. profits were $6 billion, on revenues of $14.5 billion and $24.7 billion respectively.<ref>{{cite web |first=Charles |last=Arthur |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/apr/28/microsoft-falls-behind-apple |title=Microsoft falls behind Apple for first time in 20 years |website=[[theguardian.com]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]] |date=April 28, 2011 |accessdate=May 11, 2011 |location=London}}</ref> Microsoft's Online Services Division has been continuously loss-making since 2006 and in Q1 2011 it lost $726 million. This follows a loss of $2.5 billion for the year 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last=MG Siegler Apr 29 |first=2011 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/04/29/microsoft-internet-bloodbath |title=When Will Microsoft's Internet Bloodbath End? |publisher=Techcrunch.com |date=April 29, 2011 |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref>

On July 20, 2012, Microsoft posted its first quarterly loss ever, despite earning record revenues for the quarter and fiscal year, with a net loss of $492 million due to a [[writedown]] related to the advertising company [[aQuantive]], which had been acquired for $6.2 billion back in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Martha |title=Microsoft reports first quarterly loss ever |url=http://marketday.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/19/12837611-microsoft-reports-first-quarterly-loss-ever?lite |accessdate=July 20, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720121702/http://marketday.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/19/12837611-microsoft-reports-first-quarterly-loss-ever?lite |archivedate=July 20, 2012}}</ref> As of January 2014, Microsoft's market capitalization stood at $314B,<ref name="Marketwatch MSFT">{{cite web |title=Microsoft Overview |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/msft/ |publisher=Marketwatch |accessdate=February 2, 2014}}</ref> making it the 8th largest company in the world by market capitalization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Global Top 100 Companies |url=http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/audit-services/capital-market/publications/top100-market-capitalisation.jhtml |publisher=PWC |accessdate=February 2, 2014}}</ref> On November 14, 2014, Microsoft overtook [[Exxon Mobil]] to become the 2nd most valuable company by market capitalization, behind only [[Apple Inc.]] Its total market value was over $410B&nbsp;— with the stock price hitting $50.04 a share, the highest since early 2000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft Surpasses Exxon as 2nd Most Valuable Co. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/11/14/business/ap-us-microsoft-no-2.html |publisher=AssociatedPress |accessdate=November 14, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, [[Reuters]] reported that Microsoft Corp had earnings abroad of $76.4 billion which were untaxed by the [[IRS]]. Under U.S. law corporations don't pay income tax on overseas profits until the profits are brought into the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/09/us-usa-tax-offshore-idUSBREA3729V20140409 |title=Untaxed U.S. corporate profits held overseas top $2.1 trillion: study |work=Reuters}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: right;"
!Year
!Revenue<br />in mil. USD$<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/MSFT/microsoft/revenue|title=Microsoft Revenue 2006-2018 {{!}} MSFT|website=www.macrotrends.net|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>
!Net income<br />in mil. USD$<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/MSFT/microsoft/net-income|title=Microsoft Net Income 2006-2018 {{!}} MSFT|website=www.macrotrends.net|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>
!Total Assets<br />in mil. USD$<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/MSFT/microsoft/total-assets|title=Microsoft Total Assets 2006-2018 {{!}} MSFT|website=www.macrotrends.net|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>
!Price per Share<br />in USD-$<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/MSFT/microsoft/stock-price-history|title=Microsoft - 32 Year Stock Price History {{!}} MSFT|website=www.macrotrends.net|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>
!Employees
|-
|2005
|39,788
|12,254
|70,815
|19.26
|
|-
|2006
|44,282
|12,599
|69,597
|19.83
|
|-
|2007
|51,122
|14,065
|63,171
|23.29
|
|-
|2008
|60,420
|17,681
|72,793
|20.66
|
|-
|2009
|58,437
|14,569
|77,888
|18.27
|
|-
|2010
|62,484
|18,760
|86,113
|21.92
|
|-
|2011
|69,943
|23,150
|108,704
|21.61
|
|-
|2012
|73,723
|16,978
|121,271
|25.41
|
|-
|2013
|77,849
|21,863
|142,431
|28.55
|99,000
|-
|2014
|86,833
|22,074
|172,384
|38.38
|128,000
|-
|2015
|93,580
|12,193
|174,472
|43.36
|118,000
|-
|2016
|91,154
|20,539
|193,468
|52.70
|114,000
|-
|2017
|96,571
|25,489
|250,312
|70.37
|124,000
|-
|2018
|110,360
|16,571
|258,848
|99.52
|131,000
|}

=== Marketing ===
[[File:Windows 8 Launch Event in Akihabara, Tokyo.jpg|thumb|Windows 8 Launch Event in Akihabara, Tokyo on October 25, 2012]]

In 2004, Microsoft commissioned research firms to do independent studies comparing the [[total cost of ownership]] (TCO) of [[Windows Server 2003]] to [[Linux]]; the firms concluded that companies found Windows easier to administrate than Linux, thus those using Windows would administrate faster resulting in lower costs for their company (i.e. lower TCO).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/158237_msftresearch27.html |title=Studies on Linux help their patron: Microsoft |last=Bishop |first=Todd |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |publisher=Hearst Seattle Media, LLC |date=January 27, 2004 |accessdate=July 16, 2010}}</ref> This spurred a wave of related studies; a study by the [[Yankee Group]] concluded that upgrading from one version of Windows Server to another costs a fraction of the [[switching barriers|switching costs]] from Windows Server to Linux, although companies surveyed noted the increased security and reliability of Linux servers and concern about being locked into using Microsoft products.<ref name="Foley">{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/operating_systems/yankee_independently_pits_windows_tco_vs_linux_tco.html|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130104134612/http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/operating_systems/yankee_independently_pits_windows_tco_vs_linux_tco.html|dead-url=yes|archive-date=January 4, 2013 |title=Yankee Independently Pits Windows TCO vs. Linux TCO |last=Foley |first=Mary Jo |work=eWeek |date=March 24, 2004 |accessdate=July 14, 2010}}</ref> Another study, released by the [[Open Source Development Labs]], claimed that the Microsoft studies were "simply outdated and one-sided" and their survey concluded that the TCO of Linux was lower due to Linux administrators managing more servers on average and other reasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2150210/linux-fans-hit-back-microsoft |title=Linux fans hit back at Microsoft TCO claims |last=Jaques |first=Robert |work=vnunet.com |date=February 13, 2006 |accessdate=August 18, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724013740/http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2150210/linux-fans-hit-back-microsoft |archivedate=July 24, 2008 |df=}}</ref>

As part of the "Get the Facts" campaign, Microsoft highlighted the [[.NET framework|.NET]] trading platform that it had developed in partnership with [[Accenture]] for the [[London Stock Exchange]], claiming that it provided "[[High availability|five nines]]" reliability. After suffering extended downtime and unreliability<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/4676369/Seven-hour-LSE-blackout-caused-by-double-glitch.html |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |title=Seven-hour LSE blackout caused by double glitch |first=Rowena |last=Mason |date=September 10, 2008 |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |work=[[BBC News Online]] |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8380607.stm |title=London Stock Exchange trading hit by technical glitch |date=November 26, 2009}}</ref> the LSE announced in 2009 that it was planning to drop its Microsoft solution and switch to a Linux-based one in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=ITWire |url=http://www.itwire.com/opinion-and-analysis/the-linux-distillery/28359-london-stock-exchange-gets-the-facts-and-dumps-windows-for-linux |title=London Stock Exchange gets the facts and dumps Windows for Linux |first=David M. |last=Williams |date=October 8, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Slashdot]] |url=http://linux.slashdot.org/story/09/10/06/1742203/London-Stock-Exchange-Rejects-NET-For-Open-Source |title=London Stock Exchange Rejects .NET For Open Source |date=October 6, 2009}}</ref>

In 2012, Microsoft hired a political pollster named Mark Penn, whom the ''New York Times'' called "famous for bulldozing" his political opponents<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/technology/microsoft-battles-google-by-hiring-political-brawler-mark-penn.html?_r=0 |work=The New York Times |first1=Nick |last1=Wingfield |title=Microsoft Battles Google by Hiring Political Brawler Mark Penn |date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> as Executive Vice-President, Advertising and Strategy. Penn created a series of negative ads targeting one of Microsoft's chief competitors, [[Google]]. The ads, called "[[Scroogled]]", attempt to make the case that Google is "screwing" consumers with search results rigged to favor Google's paid advertisers, that [[Gmail]] violates the privacy of its users to place ad results related to the content of their emails and shopping results which favor Google products. Tech publications like TechCrunch have been highly critical of the ad campaign,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/10/scroogled-why-so-negative-microsoft/ |title=Scroogled: Why So Negative, Microsoft? |publisher=TechCrunch |date=February 10, 2013 |accessdate=April 18, 2014}}</ref> while Google employees have embraced it.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2013/11/21/googlers-love-microsofts-scroogled-gear-mug-and-shirts-sell-out/ |title=Googlers Love Microsoft's 'Scroogled' Gear. Mug and Shirts Sell Out. |first=Kashmir |last=Hill |date=November 21, 2013 |work=Forbes}}</ref>

=== Layoffs ===
{{Main|Criticism of Microsoft}}
In July 2014, Microsoft announced plans to lay off 18,000 employees. Microsoft employed 127,104 people as of June 5, 2014, making this about a 14 percent reduction of its workforce as the biggest Microsoft lay off ever. This included 12,500 professional and factory personnel. Previously, Microsoft has laid off 5,800 jobs in 2009 in line with [[Great Recession|US financial crisis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/07/17/microsoft-cut-18000-jobs-over-next-year.html |title=Microsoft to cut up to 18,000 jobs over next year |date=July 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="layoff">{{cite web |title=Microsoft Layoffs Greater Than Expected: Up to 18,000 Jobs Being Cut |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-layoffs-greater-than-expected-up-to-18-0/1100-6421171/ |publisher=Gamespot |accessdate=August 10, 2014}}</ref> In September 2014, Microsoft laid off 2,100 people, including 747 people in the Seattle-Redmond area, where the company is headquartered. The firings came as a second wave of the layoffs that were previously announced. This brings the total number to over 15,000 out of the 18,000 expected cuts.<ref>By Alex Wilhelm, TechCrunch. "[https://techcrunch.com/2014/09/18/microsoft-pulls-the-trigger-on-2100-more-layoffs/Microsoft Lays Off 2,100 More Employees]." September 18, 2014. September 18, 2014.</ref> In October 2014, Microsoft revealed that it was almost done with the elimination of 18,000 employees which was its largest ever layoff sweep.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Perez |first1=Juan Carlos |title=Microsoft is 'almost' done with its largest-ever layoff sweep |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2840872/microsoft-is-almost-done-with-its-largest-ever-layoff-sweep.html |website=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=October 29, 2014}}</ref> In July 2015, Microsoft announced another 7,800 job cuts in the next several months.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/07/08/microsoft-job-cuts-2015/ |title=Microsoft plans 7,800 layoffs, $7.8 billion Nokia write-down |first=Aaron |last=Souppouris |accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref> In May 2016, Microsoft announced another 1,850 job cuts mostly in (Nokia) mobile phone division. As a result, the company will record an impairment and restructuring charge of approximately $950 million, of which approximately $200 million will relate to severance payments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/microsoft-announces-streamlining-of-smartphone-hardware-business-300274560.html |title=Microsoft announces streamlining of smartphone hardware business |first=Microsoft |last=Corp. |publisher= |accessdate=November 8, 2016}}</ref>

=== United States government ===
{{Main|Criticism of Microsoft}}
Microsoft provides information about reported bugs in their software to intelligence agencies of the United States government, prior to the public release of the fix. A Microsoft spokesperson has stated that the corporation runs several programs that facilitate the sharing of such information with the U.S. government.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-14/u-s-agencies-said-to-swap-data-with-thousands-of-firms.html |title=U.S. Agencies Said to Swap Data With Thousands of Firms |work=Bloomberg}}</ref> Following media reports about [[PRISM (surveillance program)|PRISM]], NSA's massive electronic [[Mass surveillance|surveillance program]], in May 2013, several technology companies were identified as participants, including Microsoft.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan W. |last=Neal |title=Snowden Reveals Microsoft PRISM Cooperation: Helped NSA Decrypt Emails, Chats, Skype Conversations |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/snowden-reveals-microsoft-prism-cooperation-helped-nsa-decrypt-emails-chats-skype-conversations |work=[[International Business Times]] |date=July 11, 2013}}</ref> According to leaks of said program, Microsoft joined the PRISM program in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Greenwald |first1=Glenn |last2=MacAskill |first2=Ewen |title=NSA Prism program taps in to user data of Apple, Google and others |date=June 7, 2013 |work=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/06/us-tech-giants-nsa-data |accessdate=April 26, 2014}}</ref> However, in June 2013, an official statement from Microsoft flatly denied their participation in the program:

<blockquote>We provide customer data only when we receive a legally binding order or subpoena to do so, and never on a voluntary basis. In addition we only ever comply with orders for requests about specific accounts or identifiers. If the government has a broader voluntary national security program to gather customer data, we don't participate in it.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Kevin |last2=Martin |first2=Scott |last3=O'Donnell |first3=Jayne |last4=Winter |first4=Michael |title=Reports: NSA Siphons Data from 9 Major Net Firms |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/06/06/nsa-surveillance-internet-companies/2398345/ |accessdate=June 6, 2013 |work=[[USA Today]] |date=June 15, 2013}}</ref></blockquote>

During the first six months in 2013, Microsoft had received requests that affected between 15,000 and 15,999 accounts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft, Facebook, Google and Yahoo release US surveillance requests |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/03/microsoft-facebook-google-yahoo-fisa-surveillance-requests |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=February 3, 2014}}</ref> In December 2013, the company made statement to further emphasize the fact that they take their customers' privacy and [[Information privacy|data protection]] very seriously, even saying that "government snooping potentially now constitutes an "[[advanced persistent threat]]," alongside sophisticated malware and cyber attacks".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Brad |title=Protecting customer data from government snooping |url=http://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2013/12/04/protecting-customer-data-from-government-snooping/ |website=The Official Microsoft Blog |accessdate=January 1, 2015 |date=December 4, 2013}}</ref> The statement also marked the beginning of three-part program to enhance Microsoft's encryption and transparency efforts. On July 1, 2014, as part of this program they opened the first (of many) Microsoft Transparency Center, that provides "participating governments with the ability to review [[source code]] for our key products, assure themselves of their software integrity, and confirm there are no "[[Backdoor (computing)|back doors]]."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thomlinson |first1=Matt |title=Advancing our encryption and transparency efforts |url=http://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2014/07/01/advancing-our-encryption-and-transparency-efforts/ |website=Microsoft on the Issues |accessdate=January 1, 2015 |date=July 1, 2014}}</ref> Microsoft has also argued that the [[United States Congress]] should enact strong privacy regulations to protect consumer data.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Heiner |first1=David |title=Request for Comment: Big Data and Consumer Privacy in the Internet Economy |url=http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/microsoft.pdf |website=National Telecommunications and Information Administration |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref>

In April 2016, the company [[Microsoft v. United States (2016 lawsuit)|sued the U.S. government]], arguing that secrecy orders were preventing the company from disclosing warrants to customers in violation of the company's and customers' rights. Microsoft argued that it was unconstitutional for the government to indefinitely ban Microsoft from informing its users that the government was requesting their emails and other documents, and that the [[Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourth Amendment]] made it so people or businesses had the right to know if the government searches or seizes their property. On October 23, 2017, Microsoft said it would drop the lawsuit as a result of a policy change by the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] (DoJ). The DoJ had "changed data request rules on alerting internet users about agencies accessing their information." The new policy mandated defined periods of time for secrecy orders from the government.<ref>[https://venturebeat.com/2017/10/24/microsoft-drops-lawsuit-after-doj-revises-data-request-transparency-rules/ "Microsoft drops lawsuit after U.S. government revises data request transparency rules"], VentureBeat, Reuters, October 24, 2017</ref>

== Corporate identity ==

=== Corporate culture ===
[[File:The Microsoft Commons.jpg|thumb|left|The Commons, located on the campus of the company's headquarters in Redmond]]
[[File:Building92microsoft.jpg|thumb|Building 92, home of the Microsoft Visitor Center]]
Technical reference for developers and articles for various Microsoft magazines such as ''Microsoft Systems Journal'' (MSJ) are available through the [[Microsoft Developer Network]] (MSDN). MSDN also offers subscriptions for companies and individuals, and the more expensive subscriptions usually offer access to pre-release beta versions of Microsoft software.<ref name="MSDN-SubscribeFAQ">{{cite web |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/ms123402.aspx?missingurl=%2fsubscriptions%2ffaq%2fdefault.aspx |publisher=Microsoft |title=MSDN Subscription FAQ |accessdate=July 3, 2006}}</ref><ref name="MSJ-home">{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/msj/ |title=Microsoft Systems Journal Homepage |publisher=Microsoft |date=April 15, 2004 |accessdate=August 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725152056/http://www.microsoft.com/msj/ |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In April 2004 Microsoft launched a community site for developers and users, titled [[Channel 9 (Microsoft)|Channel 9]], that provides a [[wiki]] and an [[Internet forum]].<ref name="Hobson">{{cite web |last=Hobson |first=Neville |url=http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2005/04/11/microsofts-channel-and-cultural-rules |title=Microsoft's Channel 9 And Cultural Rules |work=WebProNews |publisher=iEntry Inc |date=April 11, 2005 |accessdate=July 3, 2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420185313/http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2005/04/11/microsofts-channel-and-cultural-rules |archivedate=April 20, 2008}}</ref> Another community site that provides daily [[videocast]]s and other services, On10.net, launched on March 3, 2006.<ref name="On10-home">{{cite web |url=http://www.On10.net |title=On10.net homepage |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=May 4, 2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060428070407/http://www.on10.net/ |archivedate=April 28, 2006 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Free technical support is traditionally provided through online [[Usenet]] newsgroups, and [[CompuServe]] in the past, monitored by Microsoft employees; there can be several newsgroups for a single product. Helpful people can be elected by peers or Microsoft employees for [[Microsoft Most Valuable Professional]] (MVP) status, which entitles them to a sort of special social status and possibilities for awards and other benefits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2005/06/13/somehow_usenet_lumbers_on/ |title=Somehow, Usenet lumbers on |last=Bray |first=Hiawatha |date=June 13, 2005 |accessdate=July 3, 2006 |work=The Boston Globe |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322135139/http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2005/06/13/somehow_usenet_lumbers_on |archivedate=March 22, 2009}}</ref>

Noted for its internal [[lexicon]], the expression [[eat one's own dog food|"eating our own dog food"]] is used to describe the policy of using pre-release and beta versions of products inside Microsoft in an effort to test them in "real-world" situations.<ref name="dogfood">{{cite web |title=Microsoft tests its own dog food |url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-5047467.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108214545/http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-5047467.html |archivedate=January 8, 2007 |work=[[ZDNet]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=July 21, 2003 |accessdate=October 9, 2005}}</ref> This is usually shortened to just "dog food" and is used as noun, verb, and adjective. Another bit of [[jargon]], [[FYIFV]] or FYIV ("Fuck You, I'm [Fully] Vested"), is used by an employee to indicate they are [[financial independence|financially independent]] and can avoid work anytime they wish.<ref>{{cite web |last=Heilemann |first=John |authorlink=John Heilemann |title=The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But The Truth |url=https://www.wired.com/2000/11/microsoft-7/ |work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=November 2000 |accessdate=September 30, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724133013/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/8.11/microsoft_pr.html |archivedate=July 24, 2008}}</ref> The company is also known for its hiring process, mimicked in other organizations and dubbed the "[[Microsoft interview]]", which is notorious for off-the-wall questions such as "Why is a [[manhole cover]] round?".<ref name="manhole">{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/screensavers/features/6282/square_manhole_covers_and_crazy_questions.html |title=Square Manhole Covers and Crazy Questions |work=G4TV.com |last=Poundstone |first=William |date=May 21, 2003 |accessdate=July 1, 2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051114175326/http://www.g4tv.com/screensavers/features/6282/Square_Manhole_Covers_and_Crazy_Questions.html |archivedate=November 14, 2005}}</ref>

Microsoft is an outspoken opponent of the cap on [[H1B visa]]s, which allow companies in the U.S. to employ certain foreign workers. Bill Gates claims the cap on H1B visas makes it difficult to hire employees for the company, stating "I'd certainly get rid of the H1B cap" in 2005.<ref name="MarkRoy">{{cite web |url=http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3500986 |title=Gates Rakes Congress on H1B Visa Cap |last=Mark |first=Roy |work=internetnews.com |date=April 27, 2005 |accessdate=August 18, 2008}}</ref> Critics of H1B visas argue that relaxing the limits would result in increased unemployment for U.S. citizens due to H1B workers working for lower salaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88154016 |title=Bill Gates Targets Visa Rules for Tech Workers |work=NPR |date=March 12, 2008 |accessdate=July 6, 2010}}</ref> The [[Human Rights Campaign]] Corporate Equality Index, a report of how progressive the organization deems company policies towards [[LGBT]] employees, rated Microsoft as 87% from 2002 to 2004 and as 100% from 2005 to 2010 after they allowed gender expression.<ref>{{cite web |title=Corporate Equality Index Archive |url=http://www.hrc.org/about_us/7115.htm |publisher=Human Rights Campaign Foundation |accessdate=July 17, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703003315/http://www.hrc.org/about_us/7115.htm |archivedate=July 3, 2010}}</ref>

In August 2018, Microsoft implemented a policy for all companies providing subcontractors to require 12 weeks of paid parental leave to each employee. This expands on the former requirement from 2015 requiring 15 days of paid vacation and sick leave each year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dreyfuss |first1=Emily |title=Will Others Follow Microsoft's Lead on Paid Parental Leave? |url=https://www.wired.com/story/will-others-follow-microsoft-on-paid-parental-leave/ |accessdate=1 September 2018 |publisher=WIRED |date=August 31, 2018}}</ref> In 2015, Microsoft established its own parental leave policy to allow 12 weeks off for parental leave with an additional 8 weeks for the parent who gave birth.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kastrenakes |first1=Jacob |title=Microsoft says its US contractors must offer paid parental leave |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/31/17806726/microsoft-supplier-paid-parental-leave-requirement |accessdate=1 September 2018 |publisher=The Verge |date=August 31, 2018}}</ref>

=== Environment ===
In 2011, [[Greenpeace]] released a report rating the top ten big brands in [[cloud computing]] on their sources of electricity for their [[data center]]s. At the time, data centers consumed up to 2% of all global electricity and this amount was projected to increase. [[Phil Radford]] of Greenpeace said "we are concerned that this new explosion in electricity use could lock us into old, polluting energy sources instead of the clean energy available today,"<ref name="Dirty Data Report Card">{{cite web |publisher=[[Greenpeace]] |url=http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/climate/2011/Cool%20IT/dirty-data-report-greenpeace.pdf |title=Dirty Data Report Card |accessdate=August 22, 2013}}</ref> and called on "Amazon, Microsoft and other leaders of the information-technology industry must embrace clean energy to power their cloud-based data centers."<ref>[http://seattletimes.com/html/opinion/2018176038_guest10radford.html "Amazon, Microsoft: Let's keep 'the cloud' clean"], Phil Radford</ref> In 2013, Microsoft agreed to buy power generated by a Texas wind project to power one of its data centers.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/04/microsoft-wind-powered-data-centre "Microsoft looks to boost eco credentials with wind-powered data centre"], Suzanne Goldenberg</ref> Microsoft is ranked on the 17th place in [[Greenpeace]]'s ''Guide to Greener Electronics'' (16th Edition) that ranks 18 electronics manufacturers according to their policies on toxic chemicals, recycling and [[climate change]].<ref name="Greenpeace International">{{cite web |url=http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/cool-it/Guide-to-Greener-Electronics/Previous-Edition-October-2010/ |title=Guide to Greener Electronics&nbsp;– Greenpeace International (16th Edition) |publisher=Greenpeace International |accessdate=April 3, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331130430/http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/cool-it/Guide-to-Greener-Electronics/Previous-Edition-October-2010/ |archivedate=March 31, 2012}}</ref> Microsoft's timeline for phasing out [[brominated flame retardant]] (BFRs) and [[phthalate]]s in all products is 2012 but its commitment to phasing out [[PVC]] is not clear. As of January 2011, it has no products that are completely free from PVC and BFRs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/toxics/2010/version16/Ranking%20tables%20Oct%202010-Microsoft.pdf |title=Ranking tables October 2010&nbsp;– Greenpeace International |publisher=Greenpeace International |accessdate=January 24, 2011}}</ref>

Microsoft's main U.S. campus received a silver certification from the [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]] (LEED) program in 2008, and it installed over 2,000 [[solar panel]]s on top of its buildings in its [[Silicon Valley]] campus, generating approximately 15 percent of the total energy needed by the facilities in April 2005.<ref name="news1">{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-vs.-Google-Whos-greener/2100-1022_3-6080297.html?tag=mncol;txt |title=Microsoft vs. Google: Who's greener? |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |last=Mills |first=Elinor |date=June 6, 2008 |accessdate=July 3, 2010}}</ref> Microsoft makes use of alternative forms of transit. It created one of the world's largest private bus systems, the "Connector", to transport people from outside the company; for on-campus transportation, the "Shuttle Connect" uses a large fleet of hybrid cars to save fuel. The company also subsidises regional [[public transport]], provided by [[Sound Transit]] and [[King County Metro]], as an incentive.<ref name="news1" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/environment/our_commitment/articles/alternative_commuting.aspx |title=Fostering Alternative Ways to Commute at Microsoft |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501154211/http://www.microsoft.com/environment/our_commitment/articles/alternative_commuting.aspx |archivedate=May 1, 2008}}</ref> In February 2010 however, Microsoft took a stance against adding additional public transport and [[high-occupancy vehicle lane|high-occupancy vehicle]] (HOV) lanes to the [[Washington State Route 520|State Route 520]] and [[Evergreen Point Floating Bridge|its floating bridge]] connecting Redmond to Seattle; the company did not want to delay the construction any further.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.king5.com/news/Microsofts-big-520-advertisement-85031317.html |work=King5 Television News |title=Seattle hires consultant to look at 520 bridge plan |date=February 23, 2010 |accessdate=July 3, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226123840/http://www.king5.com/news/Microsofts-big-520-advertisement-85031317.html |archivedate=February 26, 2010 |df=}}</ref> Microsoft was ranked number 1 in the list of the World's Best Multinational Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/microsoftpri0/2016631709_microsoft_named_best_multinational_workplace_by_gr.html |title=Microsoft Pri0 &#124; Microsoft named best multinational workplace |publisher=Seattle Times Newspaper |date=October 28, 2011 |accessdate=November 3, 2011 |first=Janet I. |last=Tu}}</ref>

=== Headquarters ===
The corporate headquarters, informally known as the [[Microsoft Redmond campus]], is located at [[One Microsoft Way]] in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft initially moved onto the grounds of the campus on February 26, 1986, weeks before the company went public on March 13. The headquarters has since experienced multiple expansions since its establishment. It is estimated to encompass over 8 million ft<sup>2</sup> (750,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) of office space and 30,000–40,000 employees.<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/inside_ms.mspx Fast Facts About Microsoft] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809015659/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/inside_ms.mspx |date=August 9, 2007 }}. Microsoft.com. Retrieved on August 25, 2013.</ref> Additional offices are located in [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]] and [[Issaquah]] (90,000 employees worldwide). The company is planning to upgrade its Mountain View, California campus on a grand scale. The company has occupied this campus since 1981. The company is planning to buy the 32-acre campus.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Microsoft Seeks to Buy, Expand Longtime Silicon Valley Campus – CoStar Group |url=http://www.costar.com/News/Article/Microsoft-Seeks-to-Buy-Expand-Longtime-Silicon-Valley-Campus/179113 |website=www.costar.com|access-date = January 22, 2016}}</ref> The plans submitted involve expanding the campus by 25%. It is expected that it will take three years to complete the expansion. If approved, construction will start in early 2017.<ref name=":1" /> Microsoft operates an East Coast headquarters in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://safway.com/Projects/Commercial/microsoft.asp?timeline=renovation |title=Microsoft East Coast Headquarters - Safway Services |website=safway.com |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329050044/http://safway.com/Projects/Commercial/microsoft.asp?timeline=renovation |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Flagship stores ===
[[File:TorontoMicrosoftStore8.JPG|thumb|Toronto Microsoft Store]]

On October 26, 2015, the company opened its flagship retail location on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The location features a five-story glass storefront and is 22,270 square feet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Your First Look at Microsoft's Massive New Flagship Store |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/10/microsofts-hands-on-flagship-store-opens-on-fifth-avenue/ |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |accessdate=October 27, 2015}}</ref> As per company executives, Microsoft had been on the lookout for a flagship location since 2009.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Morris |first=Keiko |title=Microsoft Opens Flagship Store on Fifth Avenue |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-opens-flagship-store-on-fifth-avenue-1445823629 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal|access-date=October 27, 2015 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> The company's retail locations are part of a greater
strategy to help build a connection with its consumers. The
opening of the store coincided with the launch of the Surface Book and Surface
Pro 4.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft opens the doors to its New York City flagship store |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/26/9617520/microsoft-store-nyc-opening-fifth-avenue-flagship |website=The Verge |accessdate=October 27, 2015}}</ref> On November 12, 2015, Microsoft opened a second flagship store, located in Sydney's Pitt Street Mall.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-open-flagship-store-in-sydney/ |title=Microsoft to open flagship store in Sydney |date=April 21, 2015 |last=Chanthadavong |first=Aimee}}</ref>

=== Logo ===
Microsoft adopted the so-called "''[[Pac-Man]]'' Logo", designed by Scott Baker, in 1987. Baker stated "The new logo, in [[Helvetica]] italic typeface, has a slash between the ''o'' and ''s'' to emphasize the "soft" part of the name and convey motion and speed."<ref>{{cite book |last=Jha |first=Lakshman |date=2008 |title=Customer Relationship Management: A Strategic Approach |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NbnZwhUjlF0C |publisher=Global India Publications |page=218 |isbn=978-81-907211-2-7}}</ref> Dave Norris ran an internal joke campaign to save the old logo, which was green, in all uppercase, and featured a fanciful letter ''O'', nicknamed the ''blibbet'', but it was discarded.<ref name="Osterman2005-07-14">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/larryosterman/archive/2005/07/14/438777.aspx |title=Remember the blibbet |work=Larry Osterman's WebLog |publisher=Microsoft |last=Osterman |first=Larry |date=July 14, 2005 |accessdate=August 18, 2008}}</ref> Microsoft's logo with the tagline "''Your potential. Our passion.''"{{snd}} below the main corporate name{{snd}} is based on a slogan Microsoft used in 2008. In 2002, the company started using the logo in the United States and eventually started a television campaign with the slogan, changed from the previous tagline of ''"[[Where do you want to go today?]]"''<ref name="wherego1" /><ref name="potentialpassion1" /><ref name="Reimer">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060123-6031.html |title=Microsoft set to launch new marketing campaign |work=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast Digital |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=January 23, 2006 |accessdate=August 18, 2008}}</ref> During the private MGX (Microsoft Global Exchange) conference in 2010, Microsoft unveiled the company's next tagline, ''"Be What's Next."''<ref name="2010logo">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/new-microsoft-brand-logos-company-tagline-revealed-at-mgx-event/ |title=New Microsoft brand logos, company tagline revealed at MGX event? (update: no new logos, tagline is a go) |first=Joshua |last=Topolsky |authorlink=Joshua Topolsky |work=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=July 22, 2010 |accessdate=August 2, 2012}}</ref> They also had a slogan/tagline "Making it all make sense."<ref>{{cite book |author=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |title=InfoWorld |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4FAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT26 |year=1991 |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |page=26}}</ref>

On August 23, 2012, Microsoft unveiled a new corporate logo at the opening of its 23rd Microsoft store in Boston, indicating the company's shift of focus from the classic style to the tile-centric modern interface, which it uses/will use on the Windows Phone platform, Xbox 360, Windows 8 and the upcoming Office Suites.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meisner |first=Jeffrey |url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2012/08/23/microsoft-unveils-a-new-look.aspx |title=Microsoft Unveils a New Look |publisher=The Official Microsoft Blog |date=August 23, 2012 |accessdate=August 23, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825012157/http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2012/08/23/microsoft-unveils-a-new-look.aspx |archivedate=August 25, 2012}}</ref> The new logo also includes four squares with the colors of the then-current Windows logo which have been used to represent Microsoft's four major products: Windows (blue), Office (red), Xbox (green) and Bing (yellow).<ref>{{cite web |last=Eric |first=Steven H. |url=http://flapship.com/new-microsoft-logo-revealed/ |title=NEW MICROSOFT LOGO REVEALED |publisher=Flapship.com |date=August 23, 2012 |accessdate=August 23, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825174050/http://flapship.com/new-microsoft-logo-revealed/ |archivedate=August 25, 2012}}</ref> The logo resembles the opening of one of the commercials for [[Windows 95]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wpcentral.com/microsofts-new-logo-has-ties-past |title=Microsoft's new logo has ties to the past}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft039s-logo-is-not-new-it039s-from-1995 |title=Microsoft's logo is not new, it's from 1995}}</ref>

{{center|
<gallery widths=200>
File:Microsoft_logo_(1975).svg|1975–1980
File:Microsoft_logo_(1980).png|1980–1982
File:Microsoft Logo Historical.svg|1982–1987
File:Microsoft logo (1987).svg|1987–2012
File:Microsoft logo and wordmark.svg|2012–present
</gallery>
}}
* '''1975–1980:''' First Microsoft logo, in 1975
* '''1980–1982:''' Second Microsoft logo, in 1980
* '''1982–1987:''' Third Microsoft logo, in 1982
* '''1987–2012:''' Microsoft "[[Pac-Man]]" logo, designed by Scott Baker and used from 1987 to 2012<ref name="wherego1">{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/6.12/redmond.html |title=The Rise and Rise of the Redmond Empire |work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=December 1998 |accessdate=August 18, 2008}}</ref><ref name="potentialpassion1">{{cite web |url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/mccann-thinks-local-global-microsoft-83426 |title=McCann Thinks Local for Global Microsoft |last=Schmelzer |first=Randi |work=Adweek |date=January 9, 2006 |accessdate=August 18, 2008}}</ref>
* '''2012–present:''' Fifth Microsoft logo, introduced on August 23, 2012<ref name="newlogo">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2012/08/23/microsoft-unveils-a-new-look.aspx |title=Microsoft Unveils a New Look |work=Microsoft |date=August 2012 |accessdate=August 23, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825012157/http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2012/08/23/microsoft-unveils-a-new-look.aspx |archivedate=August 25, 2012}}</ref>

=== Sponsorship ===
The company was the official jersey sponsor of [[Finland's national basketball team]] at the [[2015 EuroBasket]].<ref>[http://www.eurobasket2015.org/en/compID_qMRZdYCZI6EoANOrUf9le2.season_2015.roundID_9322.teamID_281.html Finland | EuroBasket 2015] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928112312/http://www.eurobasket2015.org/en/compID_qMRZdYCZI6EoANOrUf9le2.season_2015.roundID_9322.teamID_281.html |date=September 28, 2015 }}, FIBA.com, Retrieved September 27, 2015.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of mergers and acquisitions by Microsoft]]
* [[Microsoft engineering groups]]
* [[Microsoft Enterprise Agreement]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
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{{Finance links
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* {{OpenCorp|Microsoft}}

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