Microsoft chronology
Chronology
This chronology is indicative only. Context is provided by the broader communications and media timeline on this site.
Pointers to writing about Microsoft are here on the caslon.com.au site.
Beginnings
1975 Microsoft founded
1983 Windows announced
1984 deal with IBM
1986 becomes public company (IPO raises US$61m)
1987 buys Forethought, developer of PowerPoint
1989 Gates creates Corbis (separate from Microsoft)
1989 Microsoft Multimedia Division formed
1992 buys Fox Software
1993 releases Encarta encyclopaedia on CD-ROM
1993 Nathan Myhrvold's Road Kill on the Information Highway memo
1994 Gates tells top executives that "sea change" is vital: Microsoft will centre strategic planning on the internet
1994 agreement under consent decree with US Justice Dept (DOJ) to change contracts with PC makers and eliminate some restrictions on other software developers
1994 buys Softimage digital video business
1995 launches Windows 95
1995 establishes DreamWorks Interactive with DreamWorks SKG
1995 establishes MSNBC
1995 abandons merger with Intuit
1996 buys Vermeer Technology (repackaged as Microsoft FrontPage)
1996 forms Interactive Media Group
Content investments
1996 Microsoft and NBC create MSNBC all-news cable tv channel
1996 Microsoft creates Slate magazine
1997 buys internet video streaming developer VXtreme
1997 buys 10% of RealNetworks
1997 invests US$150m in Apple
1997 pays US$1bn for 11.5% stake in Comcast
1997 buys set-top box maker WebTV Networks for US$425m
1997 buys Hotmail for US$650m
1997 buys banner ad network LinkExchange
1997 launches Internet Explorer 4.0; is sued by DOJ
Carriage investments
1998 invests US$200m in Qwest
1998 buys Hotmail for US $395m
1998 invests in UK-based Telewest
1998 invests in TV Cabo
1998 buys Firefly Network
1999 Asian joint venture with Global Crossing and Softbank
1999 buys 5% stake in UK-based NTL cable tv network for US$500m
1999 partners with United Pan-Europe Communications cable (for US$300m) and Liberty Media in Europe
1999 invests US$600m in Nextel Communications
1999 invests US$250m in WebMD
1999 invests US$5bn in AT&T
2000 invests US$40m in CAIS Internet
2000 buys 26% of Gilat Satellite Networks broadband for US$50m
2000 Gates steps aside as Microsoft chief executive
2001 sells stakes in TransPoint and Titus Communications for US$400m
2001 buys Great Plains software
2002 Gates tells top executives that another "sea change" is vital: Microsoft will now focus on security and regrets pain caused to customers
2002 buys Navision for US$1.34bn
2003 sells sold its stake in Telewest to US telephony operator IDT