Technology Pioneer with Many Years in the Industry
Microsoft is known for its innovative technologies in computers, software, and AI. Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and his partner in 1975 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Microsoft was behind the first mass-produced computers for personal use, where previously only businesses or public institutions had access to computers. The first computer was created in collaboration with IBM and was called the “personal computer” – it included Microsoft’s software and IBM’s hardware.
Who is Microsoft?
Microsoft is an American multinational company that has been a pioneer in the development and production of computer technology since its early years in the 1970s.
Microsoft is known for being founded by Bill Gates, their smart communication software “MS Teams,” and their very popular and globally used operating system for desktop PCs and laptops, called Windows.
Today, Microsoft is one of the largest players in AI and technological development aimed at advancing artificial intelligence. Under the AI category, Microsoft offers products such as CoPilot and Azure AI, and they also invest in quantum computing – signaling a strong focus on future technologies.
Facts about Microsoft:
Country: USA
Employees: 220,000
Revenue: 240 billion USD
Business areas: Consumer electronics, software, web browser systems, etc.
Reach: Products sold in over 190 countries
Microsoft’s Product Areas and Reach
Microsoft operates in many areas, primarily within hardware and software in the tech industry.
Microsoft’s core areas include:
Software and licenses: This includes the well-known Windows operating systems, Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive), Visual Studio, and the browser “Edge.”
Cloud solutions and IT infrastructure: Includes Microsoft Azure, OneDrive, and Windows 365.
Hardware:
In recent years, Microsoft’s hardware has become more limited, but the popular “Microsoft Surface” series still exists, including laptops, tablets, and All-In-One PCs.
Gaming and entertainment:
Microsoft is responsible for designing, developing, and producing Xbox. In addition to producing Xbox, they offer Xbox Game Pass and various game studios. Xbox is considered the main competitor to Sony’s PlayStation.
Enterprise solutions:
Microsoft produces a large number of products targeted at businesses, including the well-known Microsoft Teams. They also offer Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.
AI:
Microsoft is one of the largest players in artificial intelligence and has made major investments in the field. Their AI solutions include Copilot, Azure AI Services, and investments in AI research and quantum computing.
Microsoft products are distributed globally in over 190 countries, either through direct channels or external partnerships.
Microsoft Software and Licenses
Microsoft software is something most people have encountered. Microsoft produces the very popular Windows operating systems, developed in many versions since the release of Windows 1.
In addition to the well-known Windows operating systems, Microsoft also offers Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, and Teams.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a large family of operating systems that has been leading in the PC world since 1985.
As Windows evolved, many versions have been released, each with updated features and design.
Microsoft Windows comes in various editions for different needs, including Windows Home, Windows Pro, Windows Server, and Windows Enterprise.
Overview of Windows operating systems:
- Windows 1.0
- Windows 2.0
- Windows 3.0
- Windows 3.1
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows ME
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
Microsoft 365 and Teams
Microsoft 365 is the latest addition to Microsoft’s smart software, replacing the earlier “Office 365.” It offers a complete solution with access to Office programs, OneDrive storage, email and calendar systems, Microsoft Teams, and advanced security features via a subscription.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office provides access to various programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and more. Widely used by many people, it is especially popular among students at educational institutions due to its versatility and many smart features.
Office packages are available for Windows, macOS, browsers, iOS, and Android.
Microsoft PC Hardware
In addition to leading in software, Microsoft also produces a broad range of hardware, including laptops, accessories (keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams, docking stations, digital pens), and Mixed Reality equipment.
Laptops
Under laptops, the popular Microsoft Surface devices are available in several versions for different user segments.
Microsoft Surface series include:
Surface Pro – 2-in-1 laptop and tablet hybrid
Surface Laptop – Traditional laptop
Surface Laptop Studio – High-performance hybrid for creatives
Surface Go – A smaller, more affordable 2-in-1 device
Surface Studio – All-in-one desktop PC with large screen
Surface Hub – Whiteboard screen for businesses
Tablets
Microsoft’s tablet line includes the popular Surface models in multiple versions.
- Surface Pro: 13", Windows, premium 2-in-1 tablet
- Surface Go: 10.5", Windows, budget/student model
- Surface Duo: 8.1", Android, foldable niche product
See our selection of Microsoft Surface tablets here.
Accessories
Among PC accessories, you’ll find everything from mice, docks, keyboards, and headsets.
Microsoft is known for its powerful docking stations and ergonomic keyboards. At DCS ApS, the range of accessories may vary depending on the season and demand.
See the current selection of docking stations and keyboards here.
Consoles and Gaming
Under the console category, you’ll find the very popular Xbox, which for many years has been a direct competitor to Sony’s PlayStation.
Xbox
Xbox was launched in 2001 as a response to Sony’s popular PlayStation. The first Xbox was released one year after PlayStation 2 hit the market.
Since then, Xbox and PlayStation have been the leading gaming consoles on the market.
Xbox is available in the following versions:
- Xbox Original
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One
- Xbox X and S
Activision Blizzard
In 2022, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for the record sum of 68.7 billion USD, further strengthening its position in gaming, hardware, and software.
Activision Blizzard is a world-renowned game developer and has long been a leader in various genres such as FPS (Call of Duty), MMORPG (World of Warcraft, Diablo), card games (Hearthstone), strategy games (StarCraft, Warcraft), platformers (Crash Bandicoot), and the once hugely popular Guitar Hero.
Microsoft at DCS ApS
At DCS ApS, we always have a large selection of Microsoft products and continuously follow developments and demand among our resellers. Our assortment includes the most popular Microsoft product categories such as operating systems, docking stations, and laptops, as well as the very popular Xbox consoles and accessories.
