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Microsoft was established in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen to create software for an early personal computer called the Altair 8800. Over the years, Microsoft has evolved into one of the largest tech firms globally. Moreover, it is listed among the leading companies in general by market capitalization, primarily recognized for its Windows OS, which debuted in 1985, and its Office software suite utilized by professionals for work. Nonetheless, the company is involved in more than just software, branching out into various sectors.
The primary means through which the company has expanded into various areas within the tech industry has been via the acquisition of different brands. For instance, Microsoft purchased Nokia in 2013 for $7.2 billion and has completed over 200 acquisitions since 1994. This acquisition approach has allowed Microsoft to broaden its influence as a tech leader, producing not only software products but also hardware and providing various services, including cloud computing. Thanks to this strategy, Microsoft now owns a range of significant brands that you might not even realize are part of its portfolio.