Microsoft 2015 Annual Report Download - page 9

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8
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives, and expected
operating results that 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 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 that may cause actual results to differ materially. We describe risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results and events to differ materially in “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis” in our fiscal year 2015 Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-
looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
Our vision
Microsoft is a technology company whose mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet
to achieve more. Our strategy is to build best-in-class platforms and productivity services for a mobile-first, cloud-first
world.
The mobile-first, cloud-first world is transforming the way individuals and organizations use and interact with
technology. Our worldview for mobile-first is not about the mobility of devices; it is centered on the mobility of
experiences that, in turn, are orchestrated by the cloud. Cloud computing and storage solutions provide users and
enterprises with various capabilities to store and process their data in third-party data centers. Mobility encompasses
the rich collection of data, applications, and services that accompany our customers as they move from setting to
setting in their lives. We are transforming our businesses to enable Microsoft to lead the direction of this
transformation, and enable our customers and partners to thrive in this evolving world.
What we offer
Founded in 1975, we operate worldwide and have offices in more than 100 countries. We develop, license, and
support a wide range of software products, services, and devices that deliver new opportunities, greater
convenience, and enhanced value to people’s lives. We offer an array of services, including cloud-based services, to
consumers and businesses. We design, manufacture, and sell devices that integrate with our cloud-based services,
and we deliver relevant online advertising to a global audience.
Our products include operating systems for computing devices, servers, phones, and other intelligent devices; server
applications for distributed computing environments; cross-device 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 PCs, tablets, gaming and entertainment consoles, phones,
other intelligent devices, and related accessories. We offer cloud-based solutions that provide customers with
software, services, platforms, and content. We also provide consulting and product and solution support services,
and we train and certify computer system integrators and developers.
The ambitions that drive us
To carry out our strategy, our research and development efforts focus on three interconnected ambitions:
• Reinvent productivity and business processes.
• Build the intelligent cloud platform.
• Create more personal computing.
Reinvent productivity and business processes
We believe we can significantly enhance the lives of our customers using our broad portfolio of communication,
productivity, and information services that spans devices and platforms. Productivity will be the first and foremost
objective, to enable people to meet and collaborate more easily, and to effectively express ideas in new ways. We