How Microsoft Began: The Founding of Microsoft
In February 1975, a college dropout and a young entrepreneur, Bill Gates, founded Microsoft, one of the most successful technology companies in the world. But, how did it all begin? In this article, we’ll explore the early days of Microsoft, its foundation, and the events that shaped the company’s destiny.
The Birth of Microsoft
On February 4, 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, his childhood friend and business partner, founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gates was 20 years old at the time, while Allen was 22. The two entrepreneurs had met in 1968 at Lakeside School, an exclusive private school in Seattle, Washington, where they had been invited to a computer- programming club. They formed a bond over their shared interest in computer programming and went on to collaborate on various projects.
The Early Days
The initial investment to start Microsoft was modest, with $3,000 coming from Allen, who had inherited the money from his father. The goal was to produce a version of the programming language BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) for the Altair 8800, a popular microcomputer at the time.
First Break: Contract with MITS
In May 1975, MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems), the company that produced the Altair 8800, awarded Microsoft a contract to develop a version of BASIC for the microcomputer. This was a significant turning point for Microsoft, as it was their first major contract and helped establish the company.
** ibm and Microsoft: A Promising Partnership**
In August 1975, Microsoft signed a deal with IBM, the leading computer manufacturer at the time, to develop a version of BASIC for the System/370 mainframe computer. This partnership was important for Microsoft, as it exposure to the world of mainframe computers and provided a foundation for future collaborations.
Breakthrough: The 8080 Microprocessor
In 1975, Intel released the Intel 8080 microprocessor, a revolutionary chip that could be used in a variety of devices, from simple calculators to complex computers. Microsoft saw the potential of this chip and began developing software for the 8080. This led to the creation of the Microsoft 8080 Assembler, which became a huge success.
** The Birth of MS-DOS**
In 1980, IBM approached Microsoft to create an operating system for their upcoming personal computer, the IBM PC. IBM’s project was codenamed "Chess" and was designed to be compatible with other computers. Gates and Allen developed MS-DOS 1.0, which was released in August 1981. MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) quickly became the industry standard for personal computers, and Microsoft’s first major success.
Microsoft’s Rise to Global Recognition
The 1980s saw Microsoft’s rapid growth, with the company expanding its operations, hiring new employees, and introducing new products. Windows 1.0, released in 1985, introduced the graphical user interface (GUI) to the mass market and became a huge success. Windows 3.0, released in 1990, further solidified Microsoft’s position in the market.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s humble beginnings in Albuquerque, New Mexico, laid the foundation for the company’s future success. From its early days as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen to its current status as a global tech giant, Microsoft has continued to innovate and shape the industry. Today, Microsoft is a leader in the software industry, with a wide range of products and services that have become an integral part of our daily lives.
Key Timeline:
- 1968: Bill Gates and Paul Allen meet at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington.
- 1975: Microsoft is founded on February 4th, with an initial investment of $3,000 from Paul Allen.
- 1975: MITS awards Microsoft a contract to develop a version of BASIC for the Altair 8800.
- 1975: Microsoft signs a deal with IBM to develop a version of BASIC for the System/370 mainframe computer.
- 1976: Microsoft develops the 8080 Assembler, which becomes a huge success.
- 1980: Microsoft develops MS-DOS 1.0 for IBM’s PC, which becomes the industry standard for personal computers.
- 1985: Windows 1.0 is released, introducing the graphical user interface (GUI) to the mass market.
- 1990: Windows 3.0 is released, solidifying Microsoft’s position in the market.
References:
- "The Road Ahead" by Bill Gates
- "Intent to Sell: The Rise and Fall of MITS" by Robert Bothner
- "The Microsoft File" by David B. Durant
- "The Computer Wars: Rangers, Mutants, and Wizards" by John Markoff
Note:
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