Microsoft turns 50: Employees recall their early years

Core Insights - Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975, focusing on software rather than hardware, which was a revolutionary approach at the time [2][3] - The company experienced significant growth and transformation over the decades, becoming a dominant player in the tech industry with a vast workforce and substantial revenue [3][4] - Microsoft’s early international expansion was successful, with all initial subsidiaries becoming profitable in their first year [6][5] Company Development - Microsoft started in a small office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and later moved to Bellevue and Redmond, Washington [3] - The company’s culture emphasized rapid revenue growth and innovation, with early employees like Scott Oki playing crucial roles in establishing international markets [4][5] - The launch of Windows 95 marked a significant milestone, introducing a user-friendly interface that became a standard in personal computing [15][16] Marketing and Branding - The marketing strategy for Windows 95 was groundbreaking, utilizing popular music and a consumer-oriented approach to engage a broader audience [12][15] - The ad campaign for Windows 95, featuring the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up," became iconic and helped position Microsoft as a leader in the tech sector [11][15] Legal and Regulatory Challenges - Microsoft faced intense scrutiny and legal challenges in the 1990s, including a major antitrust lawsuit that questioned its market dominance [23][24] - The company adapted its corporate culture post-lawsuit, focusing on diplomacy and compliance with regulatory standards [24] Community and Social Impact - Microsoft has played a significant role in the growth of the tech sector in the Pacific Northwest, influencing the emergence of other tech companies like Amazon [28] - The company has also recognized the need for diversity in the tech industry and has initiated programs to address educational disparities and promote digital literacy [29][30]