They were able to obtain a base of knowledge that would lead to the formation of Microsoft. Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard to start Microsoft when they accomplished their first business deal with the Altair manufacturers. They were able to sell the programs that they wrote themselves, which gave them a start in their own business. The new company struggled during its first year but they became successful when they licensed MS-DOS to IBM. As the IBM computers took off in the market, the Microsoft also benefited from it. The company went public in 1986 and the following year they introduced the Windows operating system, which sold a million copies per month in 1993. The company continued producing software for businesses as well as the consumer markets. In 1995, Microsoft launched the Internet Explorer to the growing internet market, which shifted the company's course significantly. The Internet Explorer was an instant hit amongst the internet users, those who have increased from three million to 200 million users in late 90's. The world wide known program is seen almost everywhere internet is found. They also produced large selections of software that people are very familiar with today such as Access, Excel, Front Page, Word, Power Point, Outlook and many more. The Microsoft improved their softwares over the years, coming up with better and improved versions to their existing softwares. As the years gone by, the company has grown and the year 2000 marked the 25th anniversary for the Microsoft and the company is going on their 28th year now. They are still committed in developing softwares that are compatible to the rapidly evolving technology. .
Microsoft is currently the largest developer of software for personal computers. To meet the needs and to satisfy the customers, the company is run under intense management structure and organization. Microsoft's current management hierarchy is under the leadership of Bill Gates, the chairman and the Chief Executive Officer and five senior managers who direct Microsoft's four operating groups.