• One of the largest computer software producers in the world, Microsoft employs approximately 75,000 people and earned $17.7 billion for 2007. The company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975.Google Finance: Microsoft Corporation

  On May 5, 2009, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent layoff notices to more than 3,000 employees and said that the company would need to cut at least another 600 jobs by June 2010. The company had hoped the economy would improve and forestall job cuts in addition to the 1,400 already cut in January.Biz Journals: Microsoft cuts thousands more jobs (May 5, 2009) CNET: Microsoft sends second wave of layoff notices to 3,000 (May 5, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Ticker: MSFT, NASDAQ
  2. Founded as Micro-Soft in 1975BBC: Bill Gates: A timeline
  3. Founders: Bill Gates and Paul Allen
  4. CEO: Steve Ballmer
  5. Revenue: $60.4 billion (2007)Google Finance: Microsoft Corporation
  6. Headquarters: Redmond, Washington
  7. Staff: 79,000Google Finance: Microsoft Corporation
  8. Key products: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Xbox 360 and Zune
  9. Phone: 425-882-8080
  10. Fax: 425-936-7329

• 2009 Economic Struggles

  Microsoft released their earnings for their third quarter on April 23, 2009. Third quarter revenue was reported at $13.65 billion, down six percent from the third quarter earnings of 2008. Analysts suggest that Microsoft's reduced earnings is due to people trimming computer-related expenses in a struggling economy.Forbes: Microsoft Reports Quarterly Earnings (April 23, 2009)

• First Layoffs

  On January 22, 2009, Microsoft announced the company's first mass layoffs in their history with a nationwide spread of 5,000 firings, with 1,400 employees laid off immediately. The layoffs came in the midst of a recession and lowering demand of personal computers.WashingtonPost.com: Microsoft resorts to first layoffs, cutting 5,000 (January 22, 2009)

• Microsoft Kumo

  In March 2009, Microsoft announced it has developed a new search engine currently being tested by its employees. The preliminary name of the search engine is Kumo, but Microsoft has not yet decided if they will keep the name or if the search engine will replace the current Microsoft search Live Search.Microsoft Live Search Blog: Testing...One...Two...Three! (March 3, 2009)

• Company Timeline

  • February 1975: Bill Gates and Paul Allen develop BASIC in Albuquerque
  • November 1976: "Microsoft" is trademarked by Gates and Allen
  • December 1978: The company exceeds $1 million in revenue
  • June 1980: Steve Ballmer is hired
  • July 1981: Microsoft is incorporated
  • 1983: Allen diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease
  • February 1986: Microsoft goes public
  • 1989: Microsoft Office is released
  • 1992: Forbes names Gates richest man in the United States
  • 1995: Forbes names Gates richest man in the world
  • 1998: Microsoft launches Windows 98
  • 2001: The company launches Windows XP
  • 2007: Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 are launched
  • 2009: Microsoft Windows 7 is released

• Get Game Smart

  Microsoft launched a website called Get Game Smart on January 14, 2009. The site is geared toward educating parents on current issues in the games industry, as well as providing advice on how to responsibly manage the gaming habits of kids. The site will offer advice on parental controls in game consoles as well as what games to purchase for children.GameSpot: Microsoft Gets Game Smart (January 14, 2009)

• 2009 Antitrust

  In early 2009, the European Commission filed antitrust charges against Microsoft over the way Internet Explorer is bundled with Windows software. This, the commission and rival Internet browser companies argue, gives Internet Explorer an unfair monopoly over the browser market. Microsoft head office received the charges on January 15, 2009 and a representative said the company would review them and respond within two months.NetworkWorld: Europe charges Microsoft with abuse of monopoly again (January 17, 2009)

• Retail Stores

  On February 12, 2009, Microsoft announced that it would be opening its own chain of retail stores to compete with rival Apple's successful retail run.Reuters: Microsoft to open own stores, take on Apple (February 13, 2009)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Bill Gates | Steve Ballmer | Microsoft Windows | Im a PC Ads | Microsoft-EU Anti-Trust Case | Microsoft Yahoo | TechCrunch50 | Microsoft Windows Vista | Microsoft Office | Windows PC | Xbox 360 | Halo | Zune | How to SEO Your Website | Dell Computers | Gateway Computers | Apple | Jill Greenberg | How to Make Your Windows Computer Portable | BgC3 LLC | Microsoft BizSpark Free Software | Microsoft Store | How to Customize Microsoft Word | Microsoft Songsmith | Kumo | How to Buy a Refurbished Xbox 360 | DNA Mail

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