Today, Microsoft is powering everything from computers and productivity suites to cloud infrastructure and gaming consoles. Though it has a global reach and impact, Microsoft was founded in 1975 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and swiftly rose through the ranks as a pioneer in the digital realm of computers and software. Let’s take a look into how this U.S. based company quickly grew on international soils!
Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, their initial vision was to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800, one of the earliest personal computers. Their location in Albuquerque was strategic, as it was home to MITS, the maker of the Altair 8800. Microsoft quickly gained traction, and their partnership with IBM in 1980 to provide an operating system for the IBM Personal Computer (MS-DOS) proved to be a pivotal moment. This deal not only established MS-DOS as the dominant operating system for PCs but also included a clause allowing Microsoft to license the OS to other computer manufacturers.
Just three years after its founding, in November 1978, the company established its first international office in Japan, in a partnership with ASCII Magazine, which became “ASCII Microsoft”. This marked a significant departure from serving just on U.S. soil and extended that reach internationally. By April 1982, Microsoft formally launched its International Division, actively setting up subsidiaries in Europe and other regions.
The widespread success of Windows propelled Microsoft to establish a global presence. The launch of Windows 1.0 in 1985, and particularly Windows 3.0 in 1990 and Windows 95 in 1995, changed personal computing. These user-friendly graphical interfaces became standard tools for businesses and individuals across continents.
The rise of the internet saw Microsoft enter the web browser wars with Internet Explorer. In 2010, they made a significant pivot to cloud computing with the launch of Azure. Today, Microsoft’s global footprint extends far beyond software. Through acquisitions like LinkedIn, and their continued dominance in gaming with Xbox, the company has widened its services and products and cemented its position as a leading force in nearly every facet of the digital world.
From its start as a software company in New Mexico, Microsoft’s journey to having a global presence is a testament to innovation, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of how to adapt and thrive in a technological landscape. Its impact on how the world works, plays, and communicates is a story about U.S. ingenuity and its benefits to the world.
Join us next week as we look at the next U.S. founded business that has expanded internationally!