What Companies Does Microsoft Own: Your Comprehensive Guide to Microsoft’s Portfolio

When you think of Microsoft, what comes to mind? Chances are, it’s their flagship products like Windows, Office 365, or perhaps the popular gaming console, Xbox. But did you know that Microsoft’s portfolio extends far beyond these well-known names? Over the years, they’ve acquired a vast number of companies — each contributing unique capabilities and specializations to their robust repertoire.

From tech startups with innovative ideas to long-established industry giants, Microsoft has steadily expanded its reach across diverse domains. It isn’t just about software anymore; they’re now into social networking platforms, artificial intelligence systems, cloud services – and more! This wide-ranging strategy helps keep them on the cutting edge of technology and continually broadens their influence in our digital lives.

Let’s delve deeper into this subject as we explore exactly what companies Microsoft owns. You might be surprised by some of the big names under their wing! So buckle up for an informative journey through the corporate landscape carved out by one of the world’s most influential tech titans.

A Quick Peek Into Microsoft’s Empire

Microsoft, a tech titan you’re likely familiar with, boasts an impressive portfolio of companies under its wing. From software to hardware, social networking to gaming, this empire stretches across various sectors. Let’s delve into some key acquisitions that have fortified Microsoft’s position in the market.

One of the most significant purchases is LinkedIn, which was bought for a whopping $26.2 billion in 2016. This acquisition allowed Microsoft to tap into the professional networking platform and gain access to a wealth of user data.

Another notable addition is GitHub, acquired in 2018 for $7.5 billion. GitHub serves as a crucial platform for developers around the world, offering code hosting services that enable collaboration on projects.

Gaming enthusiasts might be aware of Xbox Game Studios (previously known as Microsoft Studios). This branch comprises many studios responsible for creating popular games like Halo and Minecraft.

Here are some other important acquisitions:

• Skype Technologies: Bought in 2011 for $8.5 billion
• Nokia’s Devices & Services division: Acquired in 2014 for roughly $7.2 billion
• Mojang Studios: Purchased in 2014 for $2.5 billion

In recent times, Microsoft has also ventured into artificial intelligence by acquiring companies such as Semantic Machines and Bonsai.

From these acquisitions, it’s clear that Microsoft’s strategy revolves around diversification and continual expansion within digital marketspaces across different industries.

The Tech Giant: Microsoft’s Key Acquisitions

Diving into the world of tech acquisitions, you’d be hard-pressed to find a company as active as Microsoft. They’ve made significant strides in expanding their portfolio, gobbling up other companies left and right.

Let’s start with one of the biggest fish in their pond: LinkedIn. In 2016, Microsoft shelled out an impressive $26.2 billion for this professional networking site. It was a savvy move on Microsoft’s part; LinkedIn has proven to be a gold mine for professionals and businesses alike.

Next up – Skype Technologies. Remember when video calls were not so mainstream? Well, back in 2011, Microsoft saw its potential and forked over $8.5 billion for it. Today, Skype is a household name around the globe.

A more recent addition to their family is GitHub – a popular platform among developers – bought for $7.5 billion in 2018. This acquisition helped solidify Microsoft’s standing in the developer community.

Here’s a look at some key acquisitions:

But that’s just scratching the surface! There are scores of other companies that now fall under the umbrella of Microsoft:

• Mojang Studios (The creators of Minecraft)
• ZeniMax Media (Parent company of Bethesda Softworks)
• Xamarin (A software company)

These purchases underscore how aggressive they’ve been about securing top-notch talent and technology across various sectors within tech industry.

So there you have it! A glimpse into how much Microsoft continually reinvests into its own growth through strategic acquisitions.

LinkedIn: Boosting Microsoft’s Social Networking Presence

When you think of social media, chances are LinkedIn doesn’t immediately spring to mind. Yet, this professional networking platform is not one to be overlooked – especially since it’s been part of the Microsoft family since 2016.

Why did Microsoft, a company known primarily for software and hardware products, decide to acquire a social networking site? Well, it all comes down to synergy and expanding their reach. By acquiring LinkedIn for $26.2 billion, Microsoft made a strategic move that would enhance its portfolio in ways you might not expect at first glance.

Here’s how:

• Networking Powerhouse: LinkedIn boasts over 740 million members worldwide from various industries. That’s an immense pool of professionals that Microsoft can tap into.
• Sales Opportunities: With access to this network hub, there’s potential for cross-selling between Microsoft & LinkedIn products.
• Data Goldmine: User data from LinkedIn provides valuable insights for product development and customer engagement strategies.

As you can see from the table above, membership has almost doubled since the acquisition – demonstrating just how much power lies in effective collaborations.

So next time when you’re updating your resume or connecting with industry peers on LinkedIn, remember: by using this platform you’re contributing to the growth of one of the world’s most influential tech giants – Microsoft!

GitHub: How It Bolsters Microsoft’s Open Source Credibility

When we talk about Microsoft’s acquisitions, GitHub stands out as a star player. Back in 2018, Microsoft acquired GitHub for a whopping $7.5 billion, making it one of their most significant purchases to date.

You might be wondering why this move is so important? Well, let’s break it down.

Historically, Microsoft wasn’t known for its embrace of open source projects. In fact, they had a somewhat rocky relationship with the open source community. But that’s changed over time and acquiring GitHub was the ultimate testament to this shift in ideology.

GitHub is the world’s leading software development platform where over 65 million developers collaborate on coding projects. By owning GitHub:

• Microsoft gains access to an enormous developer community.
• They can influence and shape how software gets developed worldwide.
• And most importantly – bolster their credibility within the open-source community.

Remember when we said that Microsoft has been changing its stance towards open-sourced projects? Acquiring GitHub isn’t just about gaining control over a popular platform; it’s also about showing genuine support for collaboration and communal development – fundamental principles of open-source work.

Now as part of Microsoft’s ever-growing portfolio, GitHub continues to operate independently, keeping its beloved brand identity intact while enjoying the backing of one of tech’s biggest giants. This not only reassures users but also ensures continuity and stability for millions of developers around the globe who rely on this platform daily.

As you can see owning GitHub has given Microsoft more than just another company under its belt; it has enhanced their reputation among millions of developers worldwide and given them an influential seat at the table in shaping future tech trends!

Skype Acquired by Microsoft: A Game-Changing Move?

Let’s take a trip back to May 2011. That’s when tech giant Microsoft made headlines with its acquisition of Skype, a leading communication platform. You’re probably familiar with Skype as an app that revolutionized the way we connect online, right? Well, it was such a game-changer, Microsoft decided to swoop in and buy it for a whopping $8.5 billion.

When you think about it, this move wasn’t just bold – it was strategic. See, before the acquisition, Microsoft didn’t have much of a stronghold in the realm of internet communication. But purchasing Skype? That helped them gain ground quickly.

Here are some figures that highlight the deal:

And since then, Microsoft’s grip on digital communication has only strengthened. They’ve used their ownership of Skype to develop new technologies and services under their brand umbrella – everything from VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services to video conferencing tools.

But what does this mean for you as an end-user? Quite simply: more innovation and improved services.

• Your calls get clearer.
• Your video chats become more reliable.
• Even your screen sharing sessions can run smoother!

All thanks to Microsoft’s continued investment in advancing the technology behind Skype.

So yes! You could say that acquiring Skype was indeed a game-changing move for Microsoft – one that not only broadened their portfolio but also redefined how we communicate digitally today.

Just think about how often you’ve relied on apps like Teams or even Outlook’s integrated video calls during these past years – all innovations sparked by this single acquisition!

The numbers speak for themselves too:

That’s right! By mid-2020 alone, there were already over 300 million active users worldwide making use of these newly enhanced features through Microsoft-owned platforms—proving once again how impactful this decision truly was!

Dynamics in Action: The Role of CRM and ERP Solutions Within Microsoft

When you’re navigating the corporate landscape, it’s crucial to understand the role of key business components. Microsoft Dynamics is one such indispensable tool within Microsoft’s vast empire. It’s a suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software applications that has played a pivotal role in Microsoft’s success.

Microsoft Dynamics primarily focuses on Sales, Customer Service, Finance and Operations, Retail, Talent Management, and Marketing sectors. Its main goal? Streamline processes and improve customer relations for businesses worldwide.

• Sales: With predictive insights from Dynamics 365 Sales Insights, you can anticipate customer needs better than ever before.
• Customer Service: Dynamics 365 Customer Service provides comprehensive support tools to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
• Finance & Operations: Streamlined operations are at your fingertips with Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations.
• Retail: You’re equipped with the capabilities to unify digital, in-store, and back-office operations with D365 Commerce.
• Talent Management: Human resources take a leap forward with Talent solutions from this integrated platform.
• Marketing: Create more personalized marketing campaigns that resonate using data-driven insights from D365 Marketing.

Now let’s talk numbers:

This table clearly highlights the extensive user base that relies on these solutions daily.

How does Microsoft fit into all this? Well, it owns these software applications as part of its larger repertoire of services aimed at enhancing productivity in businesses globally. What’s more impressive is how they’ve managed to integrate these services seamlessly into their other offerings like Office Suite or Azure Cloud Services – creating an ecosystem where everything works together harmoniously.

That’s just a small glimpse into the role CRM and ERP solutions play within Microsoft’s structure; there are many other layers yet to be explored! Keep digging deeper – you might find some surprising gems along the way!

Xbox Game Studios: Powering Through the Gaming Industry

When you think of Microsoft, it’s likely that software and operating systems come to mind. But there’s more to this tech giant than Windows and Word. Among its portfolio of businesses, Microsoft owns Xbox Game Studios, a major player in the gaming industry.

Xbox Game Studios didn’t start out as a behemoth. Back when it was first launched in 2000, it was known as Microsoft Games before going through several name changes. Today, with over 20 years under its belt and numerous acquisitions along the way, Xbox Game Studios has cemented itself as a titan within the gaming world.

What makes Xbox Game Studios so special? It’s their array of renowned video game franchises:

• Halo
• Forza Motorsport
• Gears of War

These are just some examples from an impressive lineup boasting big names that have become synonymous with high-quality gaming experiences.

Given their popularity among gamers worldwide, these franchises significantly contribute to Microsoft’s overall revenue. In fact, according to Statista:

That’s right! The games segment alone generated $11.6 billion for Microsoft in 2020.

However, owning influential studios isn’t just about creating blockbuster games or pulling in big profits; it also allows Microsoft to shape how people play games on their platforms – whether it’s on an Xbox console or via cloud-based services like xCloud.

So next time you’re gearing up for a round of Halo or hitting the racetrack in Forza Motorsport, remember – you’re not just playing a game; you’re experiencing part of a wider ecosystem designed by one of the most powerful companies in tech: Microsoft through its ownership of Xbox Game Studios.

Mojang Acquisition and Its Impact on Minecraft’s Popularity

When you think about tech giants with an impressive portfolio of acquisitions, Microsoft inevitably springs to mind. One standout purchase was Mojang, the Swedish video game developer known for creating the wildly popular sandbox game, Minecraft.

In 2014, Microsoft acquired Mojang in a deal worth a staggering $2.5 billion. This move wasn’t just about diversifying Microsoft’s offerings; it was also aimed at boosting their presence in the gaming industry.

What did this acquisition mean for Minecraft’s popularity? Well, it only went north from there.

Rather than imposing drastic changes, Microsoft took a hands-off approach initially. They understood that Minecraft‘s unique appeal lay in its simplicity and creative freedom. By allowing the original developers to continue doing what they did best — developing innovative updates and features — they ensured that Minecraft didn’t lose its essence.

Following the acquisition, Minecraft saw several advancements:

• The introduction of cross-platform play
• Development of spin-offs like Minecraft: Story Mode
• Launching new merchandise lines

These additions significantly bolstered Minecraft’s popularity among loyal fans while attracting a broader demographic.

Here are some numbers:

As you can see, Minecraft’s user base has more than doubled since being acquired by Microsoft. It’s safe to say that under Microsoft’s stewardship, both Mojang and Minecraft have flourished.

The acquisition gave Mojang access to vast resources and broadened their global reach. At the same time, it provided Microsoft an entry into younger demographics—a segment where they had previously struggled to make headway.

In summary, if you’re wondering whether the acquisition impacted Minecraft’s popularity positively or negatively—the answer is overwhelmingly positive!

Dissecting Other Significant Business Ventures of Microsoft

Beyond the well-known products like Windows and Office, you might be surprised by the breadth of companies owned by tech giant Microsoft. Let’s delve into some of these ventures which play crucial roles in shaping Microsoft’s business landscape.

First off is LinkedIn, a prominent name in professional networking. Acquired by Microsoft in 2016 for a whopping $26.2 billion, LinkedIn has continued to flourish, evolving from a job search site into an all-encompassing platform for professionals worldwide.

Next up is GitHub. If you’re familiar with coding and software development, then chances are you’ve heard of GitHub. Microsoft’s acquisition of GitHub came as big news in 2018, with the deal being sealed at $7.5 billion.

Here’s a brief overview:

Moreover, let’s not forget about Mojang Studios, the brains behind Minecraft – one of the best-selling video games ever made! Bought by Microsoft back in 2014 for $2.5 billion, Mojang has been instrumental in demonstrating that gaming can be both fun and educational.

In addition to these major acquisitions, there are several other noteworthy ones:

• Skype Technologies: Known simply as Skype, this telecommunications company was picked up by Microsoft back in 2011.
• Xamarin: This San Francisco-based software company joined the Microsoft family in 2016.
• Compulsion Games: A Canadian video game developer acquired by Microsoft also in 2018.

With such diverse investments across various industries, it’s clear that your understanding of what makes up ‘Microsoft’ needs to go far beyond just their operating systems or office suites!

Concluding Thoughts on Companies Owned by Microsoft

You’ve navigated the complex web of companies owned by Microsoft. Now, it’s time to take a step back and absorb what you’ve learned.

Microsoft’s vast portfolio isn’t just a testament to its financial prowess—it’s also an indicator of the company’s strategic vision. By acquiring diverse businesses, from gaming studios like Mojang to professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, Microsoft has managed to stay relevant in an ever-evolving technology landscape.

Here are some key points worth remembering:

• Diversity is strength – Microsoft owns companies across various sectors. This diversity allows them to tap into different markets and appeal to a wider audience.
• Strategic acquisitions – Each acquisition made by Microsoft aligns with their broader business goals. From enhancing their software offerings with GitHub or expanding into social media through LinkedIn, every move is calculated.
• Innovation and expansion – Owning these companies enables Microsoft not only to innovate within its core products but also broaden its reach into new territories.

Remember that while this list includes some of the most well-known subsidiaries, there are many other smaller ones that play crucial roles in maintaining Microsoft’s dominance in the tech world.

To sum up: You can view Microsoft’s acquisitions as a roadmap of how they’re planning for the future—whether it be pushing boundaries in AI with Semantic Machines or revolutionizing online communication via Skype. These purchases underscore that for this tech giant, standing still is not an option—they’re committed to growth, innovation and remaining at the forefront of technological evolution.

So next time you’re using your Xbox or connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, remember—you’re experiencing just one facet of what makes up the multifaceted empire known as Microsoft.