Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of innovation, dominance, and transformation in the tech industry. Founded in 1975 by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the company has grown into one of the five Big Tech titans, shaping how the world interacts with technology. Here’s a look at Microsoft’s journey through key numbers that define its legacy.
The Rise of Office 365
Microsoft Office, first launched in 1989, became the go-to software suite for homes and businesses. In 2011, Microsoft transitioned to a cloud-based model with Office 365, providing users with subscription-based access to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and more. By the end of 2024, the company reported 86.3 million consumer subscribers, cementing its dominance in office productivity tools.
Internet Explorer’s Glory and Demise
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer once commanded a staggering 95% market share in the early 2000s. However, security flaws and rising competition from Google Chrome and Firefox led to its decline. Microsoft officially retired the browser in 2022, replacing it with Edge, which now holds a modest 5.3% market share compared to Chrome’s 66.3% and Safari’s 18%.
The Kin Flop and Other Failures
Not all Microsoft ventures have been successes. In 2010, the company launched the Kin, a mobile phone aimed at social networking users. After just three months, it was discontinued due to poor sales. Other notable failures include the Zune music player, overshadowed by Apple’s iPod, and Portrait, an early version of Skype that failed to gain traction.
Windows: The Cornerstone of Microsoft
Windows remains Microsoft’s flagship product, running on 70.5% of the world’s desktop computers as of February 2025. Despite competition from Apple’s macOS (15.8%), Windows continues to dominate the PC market, drawing both consumer loyalty and antitrust scrutiny from regulators.
A Tech Giant’s Valuation
As of March 2025, Microsoft boasts a staggering market capitalization of $2.9 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies globally, alongside Apple and Nvidia.
The Future: AI and Cloud Computing
Microsoft is heavily investing in artificial intelligence, allocating $80 billion for AI development between mid-2024 and mid-2025. Its partnership with OpenAI has been a key driver of innovation, though emerging competitors like China’s DeepSeek pose new challenges. Additionally, Microsoft’s cloud computing arm, Azure, holds a 21% market share, second only to Amazon Web Services at 30%.
As Microsoft turns 50, it stands as a pillar of technological progress, ready to shape the next era of digital transformation.
