Microsoft introduced the Windows operating system and became the first company to surpass a US$3 trillion market value.
Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. Its early success came from software, including a version of the BASIC programming language and the MS-DOS operating system supplied with IBM-compatible personal computers. Windows later became one of the world’s most widely used desktop operating systems.
The company’s modern business is much broader than Windows. It includes Office, the Azure cloud platform, Xbox, LinkedIn, advertising, enterprise software, and professional services. Microsoft’s investment in artificial intelligence and its relationship with OpenAI also became important parts of its technology strategy.
Microsoft briefly exceeded US$3 trillion in market capitalization during intraday trading on January 24, 2024. Market capitalization is not a permanent ranking: share prices fluctuate, and Apple briefly reclaimed the top position at various points.