A Rich History of Ideas

To some, our company's early vision — "A PC on every desk and in every home" — must have seemed like science fiction.

But Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who cofounded Microsoft in 1975, were passionate about the same idea. They envisioned bringing computers to life by developing software — the instructions that make electronic devices work — that would make computing power accessible to everyone.

Today their vision is close to reality.

• Powerful tools such as Microsoft® Office and the Tablet PC help individuals and businesses automate common tasks, accomplish more in less time, and stay connected.
  
  
  
• Internet-based communications such as Microsoft Hotmail® and Microsoft Windows® Messenger help you stay in touch from any computer with Web access.
  
  
  
• Educational software — including Microsoft Encarta® online and the CD-ROM reference series — helps students learn about the world.
  
  
  
• Researchers continue to find innovative ways to solve complex problems.
  
  
  
• Professional communities collaborate and share information online.

At Microsoft, we believe that the true measure of our success is not just in the power of our software, but in the potential it unleashes in us all. We focus every day on developing new ways to provide affordable, accessible software that can help unlock extraordinary opportunities. With great ideas — and great software — our future has no limits.

Over the last three decades, technology has transformed the way we work, play, and communicate. Today, we access information and people from around the world in an instant. Groundbreaking technologies have opened the door to innovations in every field of human endeavor, delivering new opportunity, convenience, and value to our lives.

Since its founding in 1975, Microsoft has been a leader in this transformation. As a reflection of that role—and to help us focus on the opportunities that lie ahead—we have established and embraced a new corporate mission.

Microsoft's mission: To enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential.

It’s Amazing What You Can Do Here
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft (NASDQ symbol: MSFT) employs thousands of people in a wide array of fields. Our core mission: create groundbreaking technology that unleashes creativity, connects businesses, and makes learning more fun. We enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential. To do this, Microsoft needs people who think big and dream big — people a lot like you.

Why Microsoft?
Picture this: Each day, you arrive at work with a smile on your face, because you know that what you do really matters. Your work positively affects the lives of millions of people around the world.

And you’re not alone. Your co-workers are some of the brightest people in your field. They’re committed to turning your thoughts and ideas into real products and services — and to having a good time doing it. Best of all, you find yourself gaining ground on your professional goals while enjoying the freedom to move around, pick up new skills, and test your talents.

It’s for reasons like these that diverse people with great minds chose to work at Microsoft. They’re proud of what they do, and they enjoy doing it well.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity. ® 2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.