1. Microsoft Created by Bill Gates and Paul Allen

2. Company History Started in 1975 in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 4 th to develop and sell BASIC Interpreters for the Altair 8800, which was the first computer to “start” the world of micro computers. Microsofts program was called Altair BASIC

3. Type of Business Microsoft started as a public business organization. The advantage of starting out as a public business is the ability to raise funds and capital through the sale of its securities

4. Products Offered Computer Operating Systems (Windows) MSNBC (cable network) MSN Internet Portal Computer Hardware Xbox, Xbox 360 (video gaming system) Zune (mp3/multimedia player) Natural Keyboard Microsoft Mouse

5. Benefits to Society Extraordinary amount of charity work More efficient work methods Stimulates the economy Provides home entertainment Donates millions of dollars to charitable funds

6. Number of People Employed Microsoft is currently employing 94, 286 people.

7. Business Growth Since Microsoft began it has become an overwhelming success and it remained to be a constant success.

8. Challenges Along the Way One major challenge faced by the Microsoft company was the lawsuit against them by the United States for allegedly violating the Sherman Anti-trust Act.

9. Type of Business Currently The Microsoft company has remained a public company since they were having a great deal of success as how they started.