Microsoft Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation, Grants $2.5 Million

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary, reflecting on its journey from a small startup founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen to a dominant global technology leader. The company initially gained traction with MS-DOS and Windows, with Windows now holding over 70% of the desktop market. Under CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft pivoted towards cloud computing and artificial intelligence, investing in OpenAI and launching new products like the Azure Maia 100 chip to enhance AI capabilities. In a nod to its anniversary, Microsoft initiated the '50 for 50' program, distributing $2.5 million in grants to 50 organizations, underscoring its commitment to community investment. As it looks to the future, Microsoft aims to innovate further in AI and hardware, with anticipated advancements in Windows 12. The company's legacy of putting a computer on every desk remains a foundational aspect of its identity as it prepares for the next 50 years.