Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. The company was founded as a partnership on April 4, 1975, by William H. Gates III and Paul G. Allen, and incorporated on June 25, 1981. Software plus web-centric services have become an integral part of the way people work, live, learn and communicate today. Microsoft is motivated and inspired every day by how our customers use our software to find creative solutions to business problems, develop breakthrough ideas and stay connected to what’s most important to them. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device. These include operating systems for personal computers and networks, server applications for client/server environments, business and consumer productivity applications, interactive media programs and Internet platform and development tools. Microsoft also offers online services and entertainment and hardware devices.