Microsoft at 50: A Look Back at Peaks and Valleys

2025-04-11
Microsoft at 50: A Look Back at Peaks and Valleys

As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, The Register polled readers on the company's history. Windows Server 2000 emerged as a favorite, praised for its stability and ease of use. Conversely, Windows 8 and its successors received criticism for their user interfaces. The Nokia acquisition and subsequent Windows Phone failure were also highlighted as missteps. While achievements like the cloud pivot and Office suite were acknowledged, the overall sentiment suggests Microsoft's best days may be behind it. The company's future direction with AI remains uncertain.