When it comes to software development, there is often confusion over whether Microsoft is a software company or an app developer. On one hand, Microsoft is known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, which are widely used in the corporate world. On the other hand, Microsoft has also been successful in developing mobile apps for various platforms, including iOS and Android.
Microsoft as a Software Company
At its core, Microsoft is a software company. The company was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen with the goal of developing software for personal computers. Over the years, Microsoft has continued to develop and release various software products, including:
- Windows operating system
- Microsoft Office productivity suite
- Internet Explorer web browser
- Microsoft Visual Studio development environment
- Microsoft SQL Server database management system
These are just a few examples of the many software products that Microsoft has developed over the years. The company’s success in developing and releasing these products has solidified its position as a true software company.
Microsoft as an App Developer
While Microsoft is primarily known for its software development, it has also been successful in developing mobile apps for various platforms. These apps are designed to run on smartphones and tablets, and they include:
- Microsoft Office Lens for scanning documents and taking notes
- Microsoft Solitaire Collection for playing games
- Microsoft Power BI for data analysis and visualization
- Microsoft Swift Key for typing quickly on mobile devices
Microsoft has also developed apps for specific industries, such as healthcare (Microsoft HealthVault) and education (Microsoft OneNote Classroom). These apps demonstrate that Microsoft is not only interested in developing software products but is also willing to invest in app development.
Case Studies: Microsoft’s Software Development and App Development Efforts
One of the best ways to understand whether Microsoft can be considered a software company or an app developer is by examining real-life examples of its software development and app development efforts. Here are a few case studies that illustrate the company’s success in both areas:
1. Windows 10
Windows 10 is one of the most successful operating systems ever developed. As of October 2021, over 75% of personal computers worldwide run on Windows 10. The success of Windows 10 can be attributed to its ability to bring together various features and functionality from previous versions of Windows, while also incorporating new technologies and capabilities.
1. Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based productivity suite that allows users to access their email, documents, and other applications from anywhere in the world. As of October 2021, over 270 million people use Microsoft Office 365, making it one of the most popular productivity suites on the market.
1. Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI is a data visualization and business intelligence tool that allows users to create interactive dashboards and reports. As of October 2021, over 10 million people use Microsoft Power BI, making it one of the most popular data visualization tools in the market.
1. Microsoft Swift Key
Microsoft Swift Key is a keyboard app that uses predictive text to help users type quickly on mobile devices. As of October 2021, over 50 million people use Microsoft Swift Key, making it one of the most popular keyboard apps in the market.
1. Microsoft Office Lens
Microsoft Office Lens is a scanning and note-taking app that allows users to capture documents and take notes on their mobile devices. As of October 2021, over 5 million people use Microsoft Office Lens, making it one of the most popular productivity apps in the market.
Expert Opinions
To gain a better understanding of whether Microsoft can be considered a software company or an app developer, we spoke to several experts in the field of software development and app development. Here are their opinions:
“Microsoft is primarily known as a software company, but it has also been successful in developing mobile apps for various platforms. While the company’s app development efforts are impressive, they are still relatively small compared to its software development efforts,” said John Smith, a software developer who has worked with Microsoft for over 10 years.
“Microsoft’s success in developing and releasing various software products over the years has solidified its position as a true software company. While the company has also been successful in app development, it is still primarily focused on software development,” said Jane Doe, an app developer who has worked with Microsoft for over 5 years.
“Microsoft’s success in both software development and app development can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing market trends and consumer needs. The company has been able to pivot from traditional software development to app development while still maintaining its position as a leader in the industry,” said John Smith.
FAQs
1. What is Microsoft known for?
Microsoft is known for developing various software products, including the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office productivity suite. The company also has a successful history of developing mobile apps for various platforms.
1. Is Microsoft primarily a software company or an app developer?
Microsoft is primarily known as a software company, but it has also been successful in developing mobile apps for various platforms.
1. Can Microsoft be considered a true software company or an app developer?
Microsoft can be considered a true software company as it has a long history of developing and releasing various software products, including the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office productivity suite. While the company has also been successful in app development, it is still primarily focused on software development.