Week 9: Industry Research Final Written Report

MICROSOFT

(Group - 5)

Makwana Pratiksinh - 301219863

Patel Manav - 301147682

Patel Nimish - 301224017

Wali Abdul - 301138461

Engineering Technology & Applied Science, Centennial College

EMPS 102: Employment Skills II

Mona Mohamed
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Table of Contents

Overview.................................................................................................................................................1
Mission Statement...................................................................................................................................3
Values..................................................................................................................................................4
Company Profile......................................................................................................................................5
Global Citizenship Profiles......................................................................................................................6
Local citizenship profiles.....................................................................................................................6
Culture.....................................................................................................................................................7
Environmental Sustainability...................................................................................................................8
Diversity and Inclusion............................................................................................................................9
Community Development:.....................................................................................................................11
Career Opportunities.............................................................................................................................12
New Graduates......................................................................................................................................14
Requirements.........................................................................................................................................14
Coop/Internship Students.......................................................................................................................15
Job Areas and Requirements:................................................................................................................16
Challenges:............................................................................................................................................18
Future Directions:..................................................................................................................................19
Analysis.................................................................................................................................................19
Why have we chosen this company?.................................................................................................19
Sources of Material............................................................................................................................20
Results...............................................................................................................................................22
Group Members Work...........................................................................................................................23
Group Assessment.................................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES......................................................................................................................................25
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Overview

Microsoft is a significant American multinational technology corporation founded in 1975 by

Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Its headquarters are in Redmond, Washington, and it is widely

recognized as one of the largest software producers worldwide. Microsoft is well-known for its

flagship products, including Windows, Microsoft Office, and Xbox, which have garnered global

popularity.

Over the years, Microsoft has diversified its product line to encompass a vast array of software,

hardware, and services. Some of its most sought-after products include the Windows operating

system, Microsoft Office productivity suite, Azure cloud computing platform, Surface tablets

and laptops, and Xbox gaming consoles. Additionally, the company has made substantial

investments in AI and machine learning technologies.

As a major player in the technology industry, Microsoft currently boasts a market capitalization

of over $2 trillion as of 2021. The corporation has a global presence in more than 190 countries

and employs over 180,000 individuals worldwide. Furthermore, Microsoft is renowned for its

philanthropic endeavors, which encompass a strong commitment to education and environmental

sustainability.
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History

Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The company's original

mission was to develop and sell software for personal computers. The first product developed by

Microsoft was a programming language called BASIC, which was sold to the Altair 8800

computer.

In 1980, Microsoft signed a deal with IBM to develop an operating system for their upcoming

personal computer. This operating system was later named MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating

System) and became the industry standard for PC operating systems in the 1980s.

In 1985, Microsoft released its first version of Windows, a graphical user interface for MS-DOS.

Windows became a huge success and dominated the PC operating system market for many years.

Microsoft continued to release new versions of Windows, including Windows 95, Windows 98,

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Microsoft expanded its product line to include a wide

range of software and hardware products, including Microsoft Office, Xbox gaming consoles,

and the Surface tablet and laptop line. In 1995, Microsoft launched Internet Explorer, a web

browser that quickly became the dominant browser in the market.

In 2000, Microsoft faced antitrust allegations from the US Department of Justice, which accused

the company of using its monopoly in the PC operating system market to stifle competition. In

2001, a settlement was reached that required Microsoft to share its APIs with third-party

developers and to offer a version of Windows without its media player.

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Since then, Microsoft has continued to grow and diversify its product line, with a focus on cloud

computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. The company has made a

number of high-profile acquisitions over the years, including LinkedIn, GitHub, and Skype. In

2021, Microsoft's market capitalization exceeded $2 trillion, making it one of the most valuable

companies in the world.

Mission Statement

Microsoft's mission statement is to empower every individual and organization on the planet to

achieve more. This mission reflects the company's commitment to delivering innovative products

and services that help its customers, both individual and corporate, to improve productivity and

efficiency.

In terms of its objectives to the community, Microsoft strives to create a positive impact through

its philanthropic efforts, including initiatives aimed at promoting access to education, addressing

environmental challenges, and supporting non-profit organizations. The company also aims to

foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture, with a focus on providing opportunities for

personal and professional growth for its employees.

Internally, Microsoft aims to establish a culture of innovation, where employees are encouraged

to take risks, experiment, and think outside the box. Externally, the company seeks to be
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recognized as a leader in the technology industry, with a reputation for delivering high-quality,

reliable products and services that drive innovation and progress. Overall, Microsoft's goals and

objectives are centered around improving the lives of people and organizations through the

power of technology.

Values

Microsoft has several core values that guide its business practices, including:

1. Empathy: Microsoft is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its

customers and communities.

2. Integrity: The company operates with honesty, transparency, and accountability

in all its business dealings.

3. Diversity and inclusion: Microsoft value and celebrates diversity and believes

that a diverse workforce leads to better innovation and decision-making.

4. Growth mindset: The company encourages its employees to embrace a growth

mindset, continually learning and adapting to new challenges.

5. Customer focus: Microsoft prioritizes its customers' needs and strives to provide

them with the best possible products and services.

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Company Profile
Location Address Telephone: 1-800-642-7676

Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Email: info@microsoft.com

Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 Website URL:

www.microsoft.com

Microsoft is a globally recognized technology company known for its strong brand identity and

commitment to innovation. Its product portfolio includes Windows, Microsoft Office, Azure,

Surface, and Xbox, among others. Microsoft's services, including Bing, Skype, Teams, and

Outlook, enhance communication and collaboration. The company is committed to corporate

social responsibility and is recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies. Its

philanthropic efforts focus on education, the environment, and supporting non-profits. Overall,

Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations to achieve more through technology

and innovation.

Global Citizenship Profiles

As a technology leader, Microsoft places great importance on corporate social responsibility and

global citizenship. The company is committed to initiatives that support education, the

environment, and non-profit organizations. Microsoft's Education initiatives aim to promote

access to technology and STEM education, particularly in underserved communities. The

company has also pledged to be carbon negative by 2030 and supports environmental
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sustainability initiatives. Microsoft also supports non-profit organizations through grants,

donations, and employee volunteering. Overall, Microsoft's Global Citizenship Profiles reflect its

commitment to using technology for positive change.

Local citizenship profiles

Microsoft's local citizenship profiles focus on community development, digital inclusion,

diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. The company invests in local businesses, provides

technology access and training programs to underprivileged communities, supports equal

opportunities, and works to reduce its carbon footprint. Overall, Microsoft aims to be a

responsible corporate citizen and make a positive impact on the communities where it operates.

Culture

 Enhancing the lives of employees:

Microsoft offers a range of employee benefits and initiatives that aim to enhance their

lives. The company offers flexible work arrangements, health and wellness programs,

career development opportunities, and employee resource groups. Microsoft also

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provides generous parental leave and adoption assistance to support employees with

families.

 Enhancing the lives of the community:

Microsoft is committed to enhancing the lives of the communities where it does business.

The company invests in local communities by supporting non-profits, providing

technology access, and training programs, and creating job opportunities. Microsoft also

supports disaster relief efforts and works to promote social justice and human rights.

 Bringing value to customers:

Microsoft aims to bring value to its customers by providing innovative products and

services. The company's products are designed to enhance productivity, simplify tasks,

and improve overall user experiences. Microsoft also offers a range of customer support

options, including online resources, user communities, and customer service centers.

Environmental Sustainability

Microsoft is one of the largest technology companies in the world, and as such, has a

significant impact on the environment. In recent years, Microsoft has taken a few steps to
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improve its environmental sustainability and reduce its overall environmental impact.

Here are some examples:

1. Carbon neutrality: In 2012, Microsoft committed to becoming carbon neutral, meaning

that it would reduce its carbon emissions to zero and offset any remaining emissions

through the purchase of carbon credits. Since then, Microsoft has invested in several

renewable energy projects and implemented energy efficiency measures to reduce its

overall carbon footprint.

2. Renewable energy: Microsoft has also made a significant investment in renewable

energy, with a goal of powering its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. As

of 2021, Microsoft had already achieved this goal, and had also announced plans to

become carbon negative by 2030.

3. Sustainable products: Microsoft is committed to designing products that are

environmentally sustainable. For example, the company has developed a few energy-

efficient devices, such as the Surface Laptop 4, which is designed to use less energy and

emit less heat than previous models. Microsoft has also implemented several recycling

and reuse programs to ensure that its products are disposed of in an environmentally

responsible way.

4. Water conservation: Microsoft has implemented a few water conservation measures in

its data centers, including the use of recycled water for cooling and irrigation. The

company also partners with local organizations to implement water conservation projects

in the communities where it operates.

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In conclusion, Microsoft has made a significant commitment to environmental

sustainability, and has taken several steps to reduce its environmental impact. While there

is always more that can be done, Microsoft is certainly a leader in the technology industry

when it comes to environmental sustainability.

Diversity and Inclusion

Microsoft has made a significant effort to promote diversity and inclusion within its

workforce and has implemented some programs and initiatives to create a more diverse

and inclusive workplace. Here are some examples:

1. Diversity and Inclusion strategy: Microsoft has a comprehensive Diversity and

Inclusion strategy that focuses on creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. The

strategy includes goals such as increasing the representation of underrepresented groups

in leadership positions and ensuring that all employees feel valued and included.

2. Diverse recruitment: Microsoft has implemented programs to increase the diversity of

its workforce, including partnering with organizations that support underrepresented

groups in tech and developing recruitment programs specifically for individuals with

disabilities.

3. Employee resource groups: Microsoft has many employee resource groups (ERGs) that

provide support and networking opportunities for employees from diverse backgrounds.

These ERGs include groups for women, LGBTQ+ employees, and employees with

disabilities, among others.

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4. Training and education: Microsoft provide diversity and inclusion training for all

employees, as well as leadership development programs that focus on diversity and

inclusion. The company also offers education programs for underrepresented groups,

such as coding camps for girls and STEM programs for minority students.

5. Inclusive products and services: Microsoft are committed to creating products and

services that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or background. For

example, the company has developed tools like the Immersive Reader, which helps

people with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, and the Seeing AI app, which uses

artificial intelligence to describe the world for people with visual impairments.

Overall, Microsoft has made a significant commitment to promoting diversity and

inclusion within its workforce and has implemented a many programs and initiatives to

create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. While there is always more that can be

done, Microsoft is certainly a leader in the tech industry when it comes to diversity and

inclusion.

Community Development:

Microsoft has a strong commitment to community development and has invested significant

resources in programs and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, education, and digital

inclusion.
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One notable initiative is the Microsoft TechSpark program, which was launched in 2017 to spur

economic development in rural and underserved areas of the United States. The program

provides resources and support to local businesses and entrepreneurs, with a focus on industries

such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

In addition, Microsoft has made significant investments in education, with programs such as

Microsoft Education, which provides tools and resources to help educators and students learn

and succeed in the digital age. The company has also partnered with organizations such as

Code.org to promote computer science education and increase access to technology for

underrepresented groups.

Microsoft is also committed to digital inclusion, with initiatives such as the Affordable Access

Initiative, which aims to provide affordable internet access to underserved communities around

the world. The company has also launched programs such as the Microsoft Community Training

program, which provides digital skills training to individuals and organizations in underserved

communities.

Overall, Microsoft's community development initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to

using technology as a tool for economic and social empowerment, particularly in underserved

and underrepresented communities.

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Career Opportunities

 Positions offered:

Microsoft offers a wide range of positions, including roles in software engineering, sales,

marketing, finance, operations, and more. The company also offers positions in various

locations around the world, including full-time, part-time, and contract positions.

 ESE requirements:

Microsoft requires a range of education, skills, and experience for different positions.

Some positions may require a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, while others

may only require a high school diploma or equivalent. Specific technical skills and

experience may also be required, depending on the role.

 Hiring new graduates:

Microsoft has a history of hiring new graduates and offers a range of entry-level positions

for recent graduates. The company values fresh perspectives and new ideas and offers

extensive training and development opportunities for new hires.

 Experience requirements:

While some positions may require significant experience, Microsoft also offers positions

for candidates with less experience. The company values diversity and different levels of

experience to bring fresh ideas to the team.

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 Apprenticeships/internships:

Microsoft offers apprenticeship and internship programs for candidates looking to gain

experience in the technology industry. These programs offer hands-on experience and

mentorship opportunities for candidates looking to jumpstart their careers.

 Entry-level positions and ESE requirements:

Microsoft offers a range of entry-level positions, including positions in software

engineering, customer service, and operations. ESE requirements vary by position but

typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some basic technical or

communication skills. The company also offers training and development opportunities

for entry-level hires to grow their careers within the company.

New Graduates

 Microsoft offers a range of positions for new graduates, including software engineering,

product management, data analytics, and consulting roles. ESE requirements vary

depending on the specific position, but in general, Microsoft looks for candidates with a

bachelor's or master's degree in a related field such as computer science, engineering, or

business. Candidates should also possess strong technical and problem-solving skills, as

well as excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Microsoft values diversity and

welcomes candidates with different backgrounds and experiences, including those with
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non-technical degrees or backgrounds. The company offers extensive training and

development opportunities for new hires to ensure they are equipped with the skills and

knowledge needed to succeed in their roles.

Requirements

The requirements can vary depending on the specific position and location. However, in general,

Microsoft typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some basic technical or

communication skills for entry-level positions. Additionally, some positions may require a

bachelor's or master's degree in a related field or relevant work experience. It's important to

review the job description for the specific position you're interested in to determine the

requirements and qualifications.

Example To qualify for an entry-level data science position at Microsoft, candidates typically

need to meet the following requirements:

 A bachelor's or master's degree in a related field such as computer science, data science,

statistics, mathematics, or a related field.

 Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

 Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, R, or SQL.

 Familiarity with data manipulation, cleaning, and analysis techniques.

 Experience with data visualization tools and techniques.

 Strong communication and collaboration skills.

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However, it's important to note that specific requirements can vary depending on the level and

type of data science position. It's recommended to review the job description for the specific

position.

Coop/Internship Students

Microsoft offers a range of co-op/internship opportunities for students to gain practical

experience in their field of study. The availability of these opportunities may vary depending on

the specific location and business needs.

To be eligible for a co-op/internship position at Microsoft, candidates typically need to meet the

following requirements:

 Be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program, pursuing a degree in

a related field such as computer science, engineering, business, or design.

 Have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies (for summer internships) or

two years of undergraduate studies (for co-op opportunities).

 Possess strong technical and communication skills.

 Have a passion for technology and a desire to learn and grow in their field.

In addition to the above requirements, some positions may have specific qualifications or skills

that are required.

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Job Areas and Requirements:

Data Analyst:

• Analyze and interpret complex data to identify trends and insights

• Develop and maintain data models, dashboards, and reports

• Expertise in SQL, Excel, and data visualization tools

Cloud Solutions Architect:

• Design and implement cloud-based solutions for enterprise customers

• Expertise in Microsoft Azure, cloud architecture, and security

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Software Engineer:

• Design, develop, and maintain software applications and services

• Expertise in programming languages such as C++, C#, Java, or Python

• Experience with software development tools such as Visual Studio and Git

Product Manager:
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• Manage the lifecycle of a product, from ideation to launch to post-release support

• Work cross-functionally with teams such as engineering, design, and marketing

• Strong communication, analytical, and strategic thinking skills

User Experience Designer:

• Design intuitive and engaging user experiences for Microsoft products and services

• Conduct user research and usability testing to inform design decisions

• Expertise in design tools such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe Creative Suite

Challenges:

 Despite its successes, Microsoft faces several challenges in the current business

environment. One of the most significant challenges is the increasing competition in the

technology industry. Companies such as Amazon, Google, and Apple are also investing

heavily in emerging technologies and are vying for market share. This competition can

make it difficult for Microsoft to maintain its market position and stay ahead of the curve

in terms of innovation.

 Another challenge is cybersecurity. As a technology company that collects and stores

vast amounts of data, Microsoft must continually invest in cybersecurity measures to

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protect against cyberattacks and data breaches. The company must remain vigilant and

proactive in mitigating risks and safeguarding its customers' information.

 Lastly, Microsoft must continue to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. As a

global company with operations in over 190 countries, Microsoft recognizes the

importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and business success. The

company must continue to prioritize and invest in programs that promote diversity and

inclusivity, such as training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and

employee resource groups.

Future Directions:

 Microsoft has stated its commitment to focusing on cloud computing, artificial

intelligence, and other emerging technologies as part of its future goals and objectives for

products and services. The company is also investing heavily in its gaming division, with

the release of new consoles and expanding its gaming subscription services.

 In terms of career opportunities, Microsoft is focused on attracting top talent and

developing its employees to help drive innovation and growth. The company offers

various training and development programs for its employees and is committed to

fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Additionally, Microsoft aims to expand its
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global presence and continue to invest in emerging markets to reach new customers and

opportunities.

Analysis

Why have we chosen this company?

 We chose Microsoft as the subject of our research due to its significant influence and

impact on the technology industry. Microsoft is a leading technology company with a

wide range of products, services, and initiatives, including its flagship products such as

Windows, Microsoft Office, and Xbox, as well as its investments in AI and machine

learning technologies.

 In addition, Microsoft has a strong commitment to global and local citizenship, as well as

to enhancing the lives of its employees, customers, and communities where it does

business. Its philanthropic efforts, including its commitment to education and

environmental sustainability, further reinforce its positive impact on society.

 Moreover, Microsoft offers a diverse range of career opportunities for individuals with

varying levels of experience and educational backgrounds, including positions for new

graduates, internships, and apprenticeships. Its requirements for entry-level positions are

clear and achievable, and it has a history of hiring new graduates.

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 Finally, Microsoft has a clear vision for its future direction, including its goals and

objectives for products and services, as well as for career opportunities. Its continued

focus on innovation and emerging technologies ensures that it will remain a significant

player in the technology industry for years to come.

Sources of Material

 Sources of Material:

The material for this analysis was gathered from a variety of sources, including:

Official company website: Microsoft's website provided information on the company's

history, mission statement, products and services, career opportunities, culture, and future

directions.

Business news articles: Articles from reputable business news sources such as Forbes,

Bloomberg, and CNN Business were consulted to gather information on the company's

financial performance, market trends, and industry insights.

Job posting websites: Websites such as LinkedIn, indeed, and Glassdoor were used to

research the types of job positions available at Microsoft, their ESE requirements, and

availability of internships/coop positions.

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Company reports: Annual reports and sustainability reports published by Microsoft were

reviewed to gain insight into the company's financial performance, sustainability

initiatives, and corporate social responsibility efforts.

 How was this material gathered:

The material was gathered through a combination of online research and document

review. Information was obtained through browsing the official company website,

analyzing news articles, and studying company reports. Additionally, job postings were

reviewed to gain insight into the types of positions available at the company and their

ESE requirements. Online research was conducted to gather information on the

company's culture, global and local citizenship profiles, and future directions. The

information gathered was then analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of

Microsoft and its operations.

Results

Microsoft is a major multinational technology company known for its flagship products such as

Windows, Microsoft Office, and Xbox. Microsoft has a diverse product line that includes

software, hardware, and services, and it has made significant investments in AI and machine

learning technologies. Microsoft's mission is to empower individuals and organizations to

achieve more through innovative products and services, while its core values include empathy,

integrity, diversity and inclusion, growth mindset, and customer focus. Microsoft offers a range
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of opportunities for new graduates and co-op/internship students, with specific requirements

varying depending on the position and location. Additionally, Microsoft is committed to

corporate social responsibility and philanthropic efforts focused on education, the environment,

and supporting non-profits.

Group Members Work

Member’s Name Tasks

Patel Nimish
Research and Document formatting.

Makwana Pratiksinh
Helped in research and Document writing.

Patel Manav
Helped in Document writing.

Wali Abdul
Helped in research.

Group Assessment

1 (Never) 2 (Rarely) 3 (Sometimes when needed) 4 (Most of the time) 5 (Perfect contribution)
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Name: Nimish Patel __5_ did fair share of work

__5_ was cooperative/did agreed upon task.

__5_ contributed to ideas/planning.

__5_ was available for discussion.

__5_ was positive, helpful.

__5_ contributed to overall project success.

Name: Pratiksinh Makwana __5_ did fair share of work

__5_ was cooperative/did agreed upon task.

__5_ contributed to ideas/planning.

__5_ was available for discussion.

__5_ was positive, helpful.

__5_ contributed to overall project success.

Name: Manav patel __5_ did fair share of work

__5_ was cooperative/did agreed upon task.

__5_ contributed to ideas/planning.

__5_ was available for discussion.

__5_ was positive, helpful.

__5_ contributed to overall project success.

Name: Abdul Wali __5_ did fair share of work

__5_ was cooperative/did agreed upon task.

__5_ contributed to ideas/planning.

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__5_ was available for discussion.

__5_ was positive, helpful.

__5_ contributed to overall project success.

REFERENCES

Microsoft. (2018). Microsoft - Official Home Page. Microsoft.com. https://www.microsoft.com/

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Microsoft Investor Relations - Home Page. (2019). Microsoft.com.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor

Hall, M., & Zachary, G. P. (2020). Microsoft Corporation | History, Products, & Facts.

In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Microsoft-Corporation