Metropolis Opinion

Part One, Company Overview

Microsoft Corporation, incorporated in 1981, develops, manufactures, licenses and supports a range of software products for computing devices. The Company’s software products include operating systems for servers, personal computers (PCs) and intelligent devices, server applications for distributed computing environments, information worker productivity applications, business solution applications, high-performance computing applications and software development tools. It provides consulting and product support services, and trains and certifies computer system integrators and developers. Microsoft Corporation sells the Xbox 360 video game console and games, the Zune digital music and entertainment device, PC games, and peripherals. Online offerings and information are delivered through its Windows Live, Office Live, and MSN portals and channels. The Company enables the delivery of online advertising through its adCenter platform. The Company has five segments: Client, Server and Tools, the Online Services Business, the Microsoft Business Division, and the Entertainment and Devices Division.

In June 2008, the Company announced the acquisition of Navic Networks, a provider of television advertising solutions. Navic will join Microsoft’s Advertiser and Publisher Solutions (APS) Group. In April 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of Danger, Inc. and Fast Search & Transfer ASA. In December 2007, the Company acquired Multimap, a provider of online mapping services. Multimap will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as part of the Virtual Earth and Search teams in the Online Services Business. In August 2007, the Company acquired aQuantive Inc. In May 2007, it completed the acquisition of Tellme Networks Inc., a provider of voice services, including nationwide directory assistance, enterprise customer service and voice-enabled mobile search. In October 2006, it acquired Colloquis Inc., a provider of conversational online business solutions that feature natural language processing technology. In October 2007, the Company announced that it has launched Microsoft Health Vault, software and services platform.

Taken from the Source: Reuters, Company Profile