Financial Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial - Research Paper Example Although the original focus of Microsoft was on PC development, it later changed its efforts towards the more profitable business side of software and application development. By 1981 Microsoft had created the highly successful MS-DOS operating system which it successfully licensed to IBM and came bundled with all their computers. In 1985 his new GUI (Graphic User Interface) Windows 1.0 operating system was unveiled which Gates viewed as the future of personal computing, but IBM executives did not share the same vision. Contrary to IBMs belief, Windows and its GUI interface became the de-facto standard for all personal computers in the future. Microsoft as a company soon achieved dramatic success and growth by becoming an operational system and personal productivity applications developer marketing giant (Windows, 2012). Microsoft as a company is centered on its customer driven mission of â€Å"Enabling people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential by creating technology that transforms the way people work, play, and communicate.† The company is focused on developing, manufacturing, licensing and providing customer support to its varied software and hardware products. Some of the major software categories that Microsoft competes in are in operating systems, business solutions software applications, server applications, high-performance computing and software development tools, desktop and server management tools, video games, cloud-computing and online advertising. Microsoft also develops and markets hardware products for entertainment such as the Xbox 360 console and accessories, an interactive entertainment console and other Microsoft hardware. The company also provides solutions and product support services, consulting, training and certification to IT professi onals and computer system developers and integrators. Microsofts company structure has a global reach, with