Microsoft Corp - Early History, Intense Growth As A Software Manufacturer, Focus On Internet Technology

Microsoft Corp. is the world's largest software firm, with annual sales of roughly $23 billion and more than 39,000 employees. Its Windows operating system boasts a worldwide personal computer (PC) market share of 92 percent. The firm's word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software suite known as Microsoft Office brings in roughly $9 billion each year—more than any other Microsoft product. While Windows and Office continue to account for a major portion of Microsoft's revenues, the company has started reshaping its software packages and creating new technology to meet the growing needs of businesses and consumers online. The firm is also starting to focus on Internet-based services. In mid-2001, Microsoft continued to appeal a U.S. district court ruling that ordered the alleged "monopolist" to split in two.