30 Fascinating Facts About Microsoft
- Microsoft’s first-ever smartwatch? You probably missed it.
- Windows XP’s “Bliss” wallpaper is more iconic than you think—here’s why.
- Bill Gates saved Apple from bankruptcy in the ‘90s—wait, what?!
Microsoft, founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, has grown from a modest startup into one of the world’s most influential technology companies. From developing groundbreaking operating systems to making major acquisitions, Microsoft continues to shape the global tech landscape. Here's an in-depth look at some of the most intriguing stats and facts that define this powerhouse.
1. Founders and Beginnings
Microsoft was born in 1975 when Gates and Allen set out to create software for personal computers. Their first product, a version of the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800, paved the way for future success.
2. The Original Name
Microsoft started as "Micro-Soft," a combination of "microcomputer" and "software." The hyphen was dropped in 1981.
Photo via Fabrik Brands // The old Microsoft logo.
3. Headquarters
Microsoft's global headquarters is based in Redmond, Washington, U.S.
4. Revenue Powerhouse
- Total Revenue (2020): $143 billion
- Cloud Revenue: $61 billion
5. Global Workforce
Microsoft employs a staggering 156,439 people across the world.
6. A Billion Users
An estimated 1.2 billion people worldwide use Microsoft products. This includes popular software like Windows, Office, and the company’s cloud services.
Photo via NewsSoftwares // All Microsoft Windows logos from the first version till today.
7. Hotmail Acquisition
On December 31, 1997, Microsoft acquired Hotmail for $500 million, marking its largest acquisition at the time. This move was instrumental in shaping Microsoft’s presence in online communications.
8. Windows: The Operating System Revolution
Windows 1.0, released in 1985, was Microsoft’s first foray into a graphical user interface (GUI). This innovation forever changed how users interacted with computers, setting a new standard for operating systems.
9. The Infamous BSOD
The “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) has become an iconic symbol of Microsoft errors. Introduced in early Windows versions, it signaled system crashes and forced reboots—a headache for many users.
10. Excel’s Surprising Origins
Microsoft Excel, a staple in offices worldwide, was initially developed for the Apple Macintosh in 1985 before becoming available on Windows two years later.
11. Patents and Innovations
In 2019 alone, Microsoft filed 3,083 U.S. patents, making it one of the most prolific innovators in the tech industry.
12. Top Competitors
Microsoft competes with several tech giants, including:
13. Interesting Employee Culture
Every Microsoft employee is affectionately referred to as a “Softie.” Additionally, new hires are called “Blue Badges,” contractors “Orange Badges,” and interns “Green Badges.”
14. The Xbox Legacy
The "X" in Xbox stands for DirectX, Microsoft’s software responsible for processing graphics. The gaming console became a massive success, cementing Microsoft’s presence in the gaming industry.
15. Awards and Recognition
In 2020 alone, Microsoft received 11 awards, including accolades for:
- Best Company for Diversity
- Best CEO
- Best Company Culture
- Best Professional Development
16. Microsoft Surface
The Surface lineup of devices debuted in 2012, blending tablet portability with laptop power, furthering Microsoft’s hardware ambitions.
Photo via Microsoft Inc. // Microsoft's line of Surface tablets, notebooks and computers have steadily improved since the original Microsoft Surface reveal in 2012.
17. Fun Facts: M&Ms at Work
To celebrate each year of service, Microsoft employees bring 1lb of M&Ms for every year they've worked at the company. That’s 10lbs of chocolate for a decade of service!
18. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates: A Rivalry with Collaboration
Though they were fierce competitors, Gates and Jobs also collaborated in their early careers. Notably, Microsoft’s investment in Apple in 1997 helped save Apple from bankruptcy.
19. Microsoft’s Smartwatch Innovation
In 1994, Microsoft, in collaboration with Timex, introduced the Datalink 150—the world’s first smartwatch. This innovative device worked with PCs running Windows 3.1 and above.
20. Clippy’s Reign
Clippy, the infamous virtual assistant in Microsoft Office, has gone down in history as one of the most annoying software features. Microsoft eventually retired the feature in 2007.
Photo via Figma // The infamous Microsoft Clippy.
21. Cloud Domination
Microsoft Azure, the company’s cloud computing platform, operates on a massive scale, with data centers located across numerous global regions. This expansive network allows the company to deliver cloud services to businesses and individuals worldwide.
22. Bill Gates: The Youngest Billionaire
At just 31, Bill Gates became the world’s youngest billionaire, achieving this milestone in 1987, just two years after the release of Windows.
23. Microsoft Mouse: Pioneering Hardware
In 1983, Microsoft introduced its first hardware product, the Microsoft Mouse. This innovative input device helped popularize the use of the mouse in personal computing, transforming user experiences.
24. Windows XP and ‘Bliss’
The default wallpaper for Windows XP, known as “Bliss,” is one of the most viewed photos of all time. The serene landscape was captured by photographer Charles O'Rear in Napa Valley, California.
25. LinkedIn Acquisition
In 2016, Microsoft purchased LinkedIn for a hefty $26.2 billion. This acquisition fortified Microsoft’s position in professional networking and enterprise software.
26. Easter Eggs in Software
Microsoft is known for embedding Easter eggs in its software. One of the most memorable is the flight simulator hidden in Excel 97, showcasing the playful side of Microsoft’s developers.
27. Comic Sans: Love it or Hate it
Comic Sans, the widely debated font, was developed by Vincent Connare, a designer at Microsoft, in 1994.
28. Microsoft’s First Smartwatch
In 1994, long before the era of wearables, Microsoft developed the Datalink 150, a smartwatch created in collaboration with Timex.
Photo via Reddit // A wearable from the past: Microsoft's Datalink 150 smartwatch from 1994.
29. Saving Apple from Bankruptcy
In 1997, Microsoft made a $150 million investment in Apple, effectively saving it from bankruptcy. This move shocked many, given the fierce rivalry between the two companies.
30. The Surface Pro and the NFL
In 2014, Microsoft struck a deal with the NFL to make the Surface Pro the league’s official tablet. However, commentators frequently referred to them as “iPads,” much to Microsoft's chagrin.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft's impact on the world of technology is immeasurable. From revolutionizing personal computing to changing the way we work, communicate, and play, this giant continues to innovate across software, hardware, and cloud computing. Whether it's their iconic Windows OS or cutting-edge initiatives in AI and quantum computing, Microsoft remains a formidable force in the tech industry.
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