Microsoft 2011 Annual Report Download - page 8

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8
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections,
statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon
which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report, including without
limitation, the following sections: “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis,” and “Risk Factors.” These
forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,”
“estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will
continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current
expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in our fiscal year
2011 Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
Microsoft was founded in 1975. Our mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize
their full potential. We work to achieve this mission by creating technology that transforms the way people work,
play, and communicate. We develop and market software, services, and hardware that deliver new opportunities,
greater convenience, and enhanced value to people’s lives. We do business worldwide and have offices in more
than 100 countries.
We generate revenue by developing, licensing, and supporting a wide range of software products and services,
by designing and selling hardware, and by delivering relevant online advertising to a global customer audience. In
addition to selling individual products and services, we offer suites of products and services.
Our products include operating systems for personal computers (“PCs”), servers, phones, and other intelligent
devices; server applications for distributed computing environments; productivity applications; business solution
applications; desktop and server management tools; software development tools; video games; and online
advertising. We also design and sell hardware including the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment console, Kinect
for Xbox 360, Xbox 360 accessories, and Microsoft PC hardware products.
We provide consulting and product and solution support services, and we train and certify computer system
integrators and developers. We also offer cloud-based solutions that provide customers with software, services
and content over the Internet by way of shared computing resources located in centralized data centers. Cloud
revenue is earned primarily from usage fees and advertising.
Examples of cloud-based computing services we offer include:
• Bing, our Internet search engine that finds and organizes the answers people need so they can make
faster, more informed decisions;
• Windows Live Essentials suite, which allows users to upload, organize and store photos, make
movies, communicate via video, email, and messaging, and enhance online safety;
• Xbox LIVE service, which enables online gaming, social networking, and access to a wide range of
video, gaming, and entertainment content;
• Microsoft Office 365, an online suite that enables people to work from virtually anywhere, anytime, and
on any device with simple, familiar collaboration and communication solutions, including Microsoft
Office, Exchange, SharePoint, and Lync;
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online customer relationship management services for sales, service and
marketing professionals provided through a familiar Microsoft Outlook interface; and
• the Azure family of platform and database services that helps developers connect applications and
services in the cloud or on premise. These services include Windows Azure, a scalable operating