Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975. Microsoft is the world's largest software maker, it is also one of the world's most valuable companies. Paul Allen and Bill Gates, childhood friends with a passion in computer programming, were seeking to make a successful business using their shared skills. They founded their first company named Traf-O-Data in 1972, that offered a computer which tracked and analyzed traffic data. As of 2013, Microsoft is market dominant in both the PC operating system and office suite market (Microsoft Office). The company also produces a wide range of other software for desktops and servers, and is active in areas including internet search (Bing), the video game industry (Xbox), the digital services market (MSN), and mobile phones (via the Windows Phone OS).