Microsoft operates Azure, one of the world’s largest cloud-computing platforms.
Azure provides computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, artificial intelligence, and other services over the internet. Microsoft launched Windows Azure in 2010 and renamed it Microsoft Azure in 2014. The platform competes with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud.
Azure became an important part of Microsoft’s business as the company shifted from relying mainly on packaged Windows software and Office licenses toward subscriptions and cloud services. Microsoft 365, enterprise software, developer tools, gaming, and cloud infrastructure now all contribute to its earnings and market value.
Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. It went public in 1986 and became one of the world’s most valuable listed companies. Its market capitalization reflects expectations about many divisions, so Azure is important but is not the company’s only source of value.