Microsoft is a multinational technology company that has been around for over 45 years. It has its roots in software development and has since expanded into hardware and cloud computing. However, with the rise of mobile devices and the app economy, some have questioned whether Microsoft is more of an app developer or a software company. In this article, we will explore the role of Microsoft in both software development and app development and examine how it fits into the overall software industry.

Software Development:

Microsoft’s origins lie in software development, with its founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen starting the company in 1975. Over the years, Microsoft has become known for its Windows operating system, which is used by millions of computers around the world. The company also develops a range of other software products, including Office (productivity suite), Internet Explorer (web browser), and Visual Basic (programming language).

App Development:

With the rise of mobile devices and the app economy, Microsoft has also become a major player in app development. The company’s Windows Phone operating system is used by millions of smartphones and tablets, and it also develops a range of apps for these devices through its Microsoft Store. In addition, Microsoft has acquired several other companies that specialize in app development, such as Skype and LinkedIn.

The Debate:

Despite its software roots, some have argued that Microsoft is more of an app developer than a software company. This is because the company’s focus on mobile devices and cloud computing has shifted it away from traditional software development and towards more consumer-facing apps. Others argue that Microsoft is still a software company at heart, but that its diversification into other areas such as hardware and cloud computing has broadened its scope.

The Debate

Case Studies:

One way to understand the role of Microsoft in software development and app development is to look at some case studies. For example, Microsoft’s Windows operating system has been a major player in the PC industry for decades. It has allowed users to run a wide range of software programs and applications, from productivity tools to games and multimedia software. In recent years, Microsoft has also focused on cloud computing with its Azure platform, which allows users to build and deploy their own applications in the cloud.
On the other hand, Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system has been less successful than its Windows counterpart. However, it still provides a platform for developers to create apps for mobile devices. Additionally, Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype and LinkedIn demonstrates its commitment to app development and its ability to acquire and integrate companies into its own business model.

Expert Opinions:

To gain further insights into the role of Microsoft in software development and app development, we spoke with several experts in the field. One expert, a software developer who has worked on both desktop and mobile apps, said that while Microsoft may be more focused on app development now, it will always have a place in software development. "Microsoft’s roots are in software development, and it will always be an important player in that space," he said.
Another expert, a cloud computing analyst who has followed Microsoft’s developments closely, agreed with this viewpoint. "While Microsoft may be diversifying its business model, it will always have a core focus on software development," he said. "Its Azure platform is a great example of how Microsoft is using its expertise in software development to provide value to customers in the cloud computing space."

Real-Life Examples:

One real-life example of Microsoft’s role in software development and app development can be seen in the company’s Visual Basic programming language. This language has been used by developers for decades to create desktop applications, but it has also been adapted for use with mobile devices through Microsoft’s Xamarin platform. This demonstrates how Microsoft is using its expertise in software development to provide a consistent and powerful development experience across different platforms.
Another real-life example can be seen in the company’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Microsoft has been working on these technologies for years and has developed a range of AI and ML tools and services, such as Azure Cognitive Services and Azure Machine Learning. These tools provide developers with the ability to build powerful and intelligent applications using Microsoft’s expertise in software development.

Summary:

In conclusion, Microsoft is both a software company and an app developer. Its roots lie in software development, but it has diversified its business model to include other areas such as hardware and cloud computing. While some may argue that the company is more focused on app development now