GENERAL INFORMATION
Microsoft Corporation was founded as a partnership in 1975 and incorporated in 1981. Microsoft’s mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential, and the Company’s vision is empowering people through great software - any time, any place, and on any device. Microsoft develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products for a multitude of computing devices. Microsoft software products include scalable operating systems for servers, personal computers (PCs), and intelligent devices; server applications for client/server environments; information worker productivity applications; business solutions applications; and software development tools. During fiscal 2002, Microsoft launched Xbox, the Company’s next-generation video game system. The Company’s online efforts include the MSN network of Internet products and services and alliances with companies involved with broadband access and various forms of digital interactivity. Microsoft licenses consumer software programs; sells hardware devices; provides consulting services; and trains and certifies system integrators and developers.
Microsoft also researches and develops advanced technologies for future software products. A significant portion of the Company’s focus is on Microsoft’s .NET architecture. Using common industry standards based on XML, a universal language for describing and exchanging data, the Company’s goal is to enable seamless sharing of information across many platforms and programming languages, and over the Internet, with XML Web services. In addition, Microsoft has embarked on a long-term initiative called Trustworthy Computing, which aims to bring an enhanced level of security, privacy, reliability, and business integrity to computer systems.
PRODUCTS
During fiscal 2002, Microsoft had four operating segments based on its product and service offerings:
1.Desktop and Enterprise Software and Services.
2.Consumer Software, Services, and Devices.
3.Consumer Commerce Investments.
4.Other.
1.DESKTOP AND ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE AND SERVICES.
Desktop and Enterprise Software and Services includes:
Desktop Applications;
Desktop Platforms;
Enterprise Software and Services.
Desktop Applications includes revenue from Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Visio, client access licenses (CALs) for Windows NT Server and Windows 2000 Server, Exchange, and BackOffice, Microsoft Great Plains, and bCentral.
Desktop Platforms includes revenue from Windows XP Professional and Home, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT Workstation, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98, and other desktop operating systems.
Enterprise Software and Services includes Server Platforms, Server Applications, Developer Tools and Services, and Enterprise Services.…
