Founding of Microsoft by Gates and Allen

On 04/04/1975, Microsoft was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen to develop software for early microcomputers. The partnership was created to build and sell a BASIC interpreter for the MITS Altair 8800, a microcomputer featured on the January 1975 cover of Popular Electronics magazine. Gates and Allen contacted MITS and developed the software before gaining access to the actual hardware, using a simulator to complete the initial version. The company was originally named “Micro-Soft,” combining the words microprocessor and software. The hyphen was dropped in 1976 as the company formalized its branding. Albuquerque was selected as the base of operations because MITS, the manufacturer of the Altair 8800, was located there. The Altair BASIC interpreter became Microsoft’s first product and established the company’s early presence in the emerging personal computer software market. Microsoft remained headquartered in New Mexico during its early years before relocating to Bellevue, Washington, on 01/01/1979. The April 1975 founding marked the beginning of Microsoft’s development as a software company focused on microcomputer applications.