Introduction
Founded in 1975 and led by Satya Nadella, Microsoft stands as a global technology leader, navigating the AI and cloud era with over 228,000 employees. In FY25, Microsoft achieved $281.7 billion in revenue and $101.8 billion in net income, supported by its massive $619 billion asset base—underpinning growth in AI, cloud, and enterprise solutions.
History & Milestone
2014: Satya Nadella becomes CEO, pivoting toward cloud and AI strategy
2016: Acquired LinkedIn ($26.2B); 2023: Acquired Activision Blizzard ($68.7B)
FY25: Cloud & AI momentum drove the company’s valuation to $4 trillion
Product & Services
Cloud Services: Azure, Office 365, Dynamics, LinkedIn, GitHub
Consumer Products: Windows, Surface devices, Xbox, and gaming services
AI Integration: Copilot, enterprise AI offerings, developer tools
Business Model & Strategy
Microsoft profits from subscription-based software, cloud infrastructure, enterprise licensing, and AI services. It’s deeply invested in R&D, AI integration, and strategic acquisitions to fuel durable growth.
Market Presence & Financials
A stalwart among Big Tech, Microsoft boasts a global reach across multiple segments. Its strong FY25 results, massive asset base, and AI-driven ambition underscore ongoing dominance in the tech ecosystem.
Leadership & Culture
Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft emphasizes agility, innovation, and a growth mindset focused on AI-first development and enterprise transformation .
Controversies & Challenges
Recently laid off ~17,000 employees despite record profits, raising internal and external scrutiny . Meanwhile, Microsoft cautiously delayed broader rollout of AI model “Grok 4” due to content safety concerns .
Future Outlook
Microsoft is accelerating AI adoption, integrating GPT-5 into its products while expanding Azure and Copilot capabilities. Regulatory risks, talent competition, and ethical AI governance are key considerations ahead