From revolution to evolution, Microsoft continues a tradition of innovation. In 1975, you couldn't buy a personal computer-unless you wanted to build it yourself. Collaborating with coworkers meant poring over photo or carbon copies of documents. And keeping in touch? Most of us still turned to Uncle Sam or Ma Bell.

Yet, in 1975, Bill Gates and Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen saw the potential to turn a hobbyist's toy into something more. They sold the first software language program, called BASIC, for the Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) Altair 8800, the first "personal computer." BASIC, and the many software programs that followed from Microsoft developers and partners, helped spark a technology revolution that has transformed how we do business, how we live, and how we learn.

At Microsoft, we create software-the instructions that help electronic devices like computers, cars, and digital cameras work. Millions of people around the world use our technology every day, from multinational corporations that do business in many currencies and languages to small companies that count on just-in-time inventory systems to keep orders flowing. Educators and students use our software for lesson plans, homework, and collaborating on projects. In the home, families manage their personal finances, share photographs, and communicate online.