1987
Microsoft bought Forethought, Inc (software developers – PowerPoint)
https://mergr.com/forethought-acquired-by-microsoft
1989
Microsoft bought 20% shares Santa Cruz Operation (Unix variants for Intel x86 processors: Xenix, SCO UNIX & UnixWare)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Cruz_Operation
1991
Microsoft bought 26% shares Dorling Kindersley (text book publisher)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DK_(publisher)
Microsoft bought Consumers Software (spreadsheet utilities & Network Courier, an email product)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumers_Software
Microsoft bought Fox Software (database software used to store & retrieve information)
https://mergr.com/fox-software-acquired-by-microsoft
1994
Microsoft bought Softimage (3D software)
https://apnews.com/412bdf5a3402b3d42d52734571f22141
Microsoft bought Altamira in (pioneered object-based drawing & image editing software)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altamira_Software
Microsoft bought NextBase (mapping software, became Microsoft Streets & Trips/Microsoft AutoRoute)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Streets_%26_Trips
Microsoft bought One Tree Software (source control software)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Visual_SourceSafe
1995
Microsoft bought 15% shares UUNet (large ISP & early Tier 1 network)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UUNET
Microsoft bought RenderMorphics, Ltd. (3D computer graphics API)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_Lab
Microsoft bought SNMP Technology (network managing & monitoring protocals)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/324263/how-to-configure-the-simple-network-management-protocol-snmp-service-i
Microsoft bought Dare to Dream Entertainment
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/acquisition-history.aspx
Microsoft bought The Blue Ribbon SoundWorks (digital audio products, music composition tool, interface & synthesizer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blue_Ribbon_SoundWorks
Microsoft bought Netwise Inc (middleware for integrating mainframe & client-server environments)
https://www.cbronline.com/news/microsoft_has_bought_netwise_to_enhance_windows_nt
Microsoft bought Bruce Artwick Organization (flight simulators)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Artwick
1996
Microsoft bought 20% stake Helicon Publishing (ebook Stores For Digital Publishing. Connection to reading apps)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/helicon-shares-soar-in-early-trading-1251271.html
Microsoft bought Vermeer Technologies (FrontPage)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/01/16/microsoft-acquires-vermeer-technologies-inc/
Microsoft bought Colusa Software (OmniWare, for building memory-protected internet products)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/03/12/microsoft-broadens-active-internet-vision/
Microsoft bought Aspect Software Engineering
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/03/12/microsoft-broadens-active-internet-vision/
Microsoft bought Aha! Software (handwriting software for hand-held computers)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/04/08/microsoft-to-acquire-aha-software/
https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Microsoft-Will-Acquire-Aha-Software-2986910.php
Microsoft bought EXOS Inc (force feedback technology for game control devices)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/04/15/microsoft-acquires-exos-inc/
Microsoft bought eShop Inc (Internet commerce software technology)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/06/11/microsoft-acquires-eshop-inc/
Microsoft bought Electric Gravity Inc (designed Internet Gaming Zone)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSN_Games
Microsoft bought OLAP (online analytical processing) technology from Panorama Software (Israeli company)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/10/29/microsoft-announces-acquisition-of-panorama-online-analytical-processing-olap-technology/
Microsoft bought ResNova Software (became MSN)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSN
Microsoft & NBC joint venture MSNBC set up
https://www.wired.com/1998/08/nbc-buys-stake-in-intertainer/
Microsoft bought 10% stake VDOnet (video broadcasting & video telephone)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/10/28/microsoft-invests-in-video-leader-vdonet-strategic-relationship-a-milestone-for-internet-communication/
Microsoft bought NetCarta (client/server Web management & navigation solutions, WebMapper)
https://news.microsoft.com/1996/12/10/microsoft-agrees-to-acquire-netcarta/
1997
Microsoft bought minority stake CMGI (supply chain management services for software companies)
https://www.computerworld.com/article/2590037/cmgi-accelerates-new-funding-for-navisite-subsidiary.html
Microsoft bought Intersé (website & data mining software) in 1997
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/03/03/microsoft-acquires-interse/
Microsoft bought 11.5% stake Comcast
https://www.computerworld.com/article/2586424/microsoft-to-use-at-t-comcast-stake-to-push-advanced-services.html
Microsoft bought 5% stake in Apple
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/29/steve-jobs-and-bill-gates-what-happened-when-microsoft-saved-apple.html
Microsoft bought 10% stake in Progressive Networks (audio & video technical standards for the Internet)
https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/22/business/microsoft-takes-a-stake-in-progressive-networks.html
Microsoft bought WebTV Networks (online streaming on television)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/04/06/microsoft-to-acquire-webtv-networks/
Microsoft bought Dimension X (first Java-based multimedia authoring tool – Liquid Motion, & first Java-based VRML browser/runtime technology – Liquid Reality)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/05/07/microsoft-to-acquire-dimension-x/
Microsoft bought Cooper & Peters (object-oriented user-interface framework technologies for Java)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/06/13/microsoft-acquires-cooper-leading-component-developers-to-join-microsoft-afc-effort/
Microsoft bought LinkAge Software (e-mail connectivity & directory synchronization software – Microsoft Exchange Server)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/06/30/microsoft-acquires-linkage-software/
Microsoft bought VXtreme (streaming video solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/08/05/microsoft-announces-acquisition-of-vxtreme-rolls-out-streaming-multimedia-strategy-with-release-of-netshow-2-0/
Microsoft bought 8% stake Lernout & Hauspie Speech (speech recognition technology)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/09/11/microsoft-and-lernout-hauspie-announce-strategic-alliance-in-support-of-voice-enabled-computing/
Microsoft bought 10% stake E-Stamp in (stamp printer hardware device – at the time under review by the USPS)
https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-at-t-invest-in-e-stamp/
Microsoft bought 2.88% stake WavePhore (radio & tv equipment)
https://www.cnet.com/news/wavephore-blames-tv-show-for-stock-drop/
Microsoft bought Hotmail (web-based email service)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/12/31/microsoft-acquires-hotmail/
Microsoft bought 8% stake Lernout & Hauspie Speech (speech recognition technology)
https://news.microsoft.com/1997/09/11/microsoft-and-lernout-hauspie-announce-strategic-alliance-in-support-of-voice-enabled-computing/
1998
Microsoft bought stake (licensing & IP) General Magic (software developers, tablet operating systems)
https://news.microsoft.com/1998/03/04/microsoft-invests-in-general-magic/
Microsoft bought 2.88% stake WavePhore (radio & tv equipment – changed to NewsPak)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB889224774291828000
Microsoft bought Flash Communications (messenger service, buddy lists – MSN/Windows Live Messanger)
https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-merger-gets-message/
Microsoft bought Firefly Network (privacy technology)
https://news.microsoft.com/1998/04/09/microsoft-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-privacy-technology-leader-firefly-network/
Microsoft bought The MESA Group (project management to SharePoint integration and ASP.Net development)
https://news.microsoft.com/1998/04/28/microsoft-acquires-the-mesa-group/
Microsoft bought Valence Research (TCP/IP load-balancing and fault tolerance software)
https://news.microsoft.com/1998/08/24/microsoft-corp-acquires-valence-research-inc/
Microsoft bought LinkExchange (Banner Network marketing network)
https://news.microsoft.com/1998/11/05/microsoft-acquires-linkexchange-to-greatly-expand-small-business-services-from-msn/
Microsoft bought stake Pluto Technologies (post-production & networking technologies for digital television)
https://www.wired.com/1998/06/microsoft-invests-in-pluto/
Microsoft bought 1.32% stake Qwest Communications
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/microsoft-takes-stake-in-qwest/
1999
Microsoft bought FASA Interactive (game developer – MechCommander, MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, MechWarrior 4: Black Knight, MechCommander 2, MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries, Mechassault, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Mechassault 2: Lone Wolf & Shadowrun
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/01/07/microsoft-acquires-fasa-interactive/
Microsoft bought 5.7% stake SkyTel Communications (pagers/mobile phones)
https://money.cnn.com/1999/01/06/technology/skytel/
Microsoft bought 7.9% stake United Pan-Europe Comm NV (European cable provider)
https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-investments-2013-2
Microsoft bought 3% stake AT&T (communications)
https://www.wired.com/1999/05/microsoft-buys-stake-in-att/
Microsoft bought stake Concentric Network/XO Communications (telecommunicaitons)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/06/22/concentric-network-and-microsoft-expand-relationship-to-include-development-of-co-branded-msn-portal-and-application-hosting-services/
Microsoft bought 16.8% stake WebMD (health)
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/02/11/daily42.html
Microsoft bought minority stake Tuttle Decision Systems (price distribution & loan technology products for mortgage industry)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/08/20/microsoft-extends-relationship-with-tuttle-decision-systems/
Microsoft bought Rogers Communications (Canadian communications & media)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB931780382851057383
Microsoft bought 10.5% stake Korea Thrunet/SK Group
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB943475516327691918
Microsoft bought 5.25% stake NTL in (communications)
https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-investments-2013-2
Microsoft bought 7.5% stake Banyan (internet directory)
https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/12/business/banyan-says-microsoft-is-buying-stake.html
Microsoft bought 5% stake Dialogic (telecommunications)
https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/03/business/company-news-microsoft-buys-5-stake-in-dialogic-and-expands-pact.html
Microsoft bought stake Reciprocal (digital rights management – copyright)
https://www.cbronline.com/news/microsoft_taps_reciprocals_digital_rights_technology
Microsoft bought 2.5% stake TV Cabo Portugal (cable tv)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB922908130561694090
Microsoft bought 11.5% stake Globo Cabo (Portuguese cable tv)
http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/184051/Microsoft-Invests-126-Million-in-Brazils-Globo-Cabo.htm
Microsoft bought stake in Inprise
https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/09/business/company-news-microsoft-and-inprise-reach-125-million-agreement.html
Microsoft bought CompareNet (online comparison-shopping services)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/03/04/microsoft-acquires-comparenet-to-greatly-enhance-consumer-shopping-experience-at-msn/
Microsoft bought Numinous (graphics and interactive video software – developed by University of Washington & Brown University)
https://mergr.com/numinous-technologies-acquired-by-microsoft
Microsoft bought Access Software (developer & publisher of PC golf games)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/04/19/microsoft-to-acquire-access-software/
Microsoft bought Jump Networks (web-based calendar services became Outlook)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/04/26/microsoft-acquires-leading-web-based-calendar-company-jump-networks/
Microsoft bought ShadowFactor (Battlefield Communicator technology – BattleCom)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/06/07/microsoft-acquires-software-manufacturer-shadowfactor/
Microsoft bought OmniBrowse (wireless content delivery services for handheld devices)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/06/14/microsoft-launches-msn-mobile-on-msn-com-to-deliver-wireless-content-to-cellular-phones-handheld-devices-and-pagers/
Microsoft bought Intrinsa (software development tools)
https://www.crunchbase.com/acquisition/microsoft-acquires-intrinsa–e76ca37b#section-overview
Microsoft bought Sendit (Internet Cellular Smart Access server – ICSA)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/07/01/microsoft-to-acquire-sendit/
Microsoft bought ZOOMIT (meta-directory products, Active Directory)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/07/08/microsoft-acquires-leading-developer-of-meta-directory-products/
Microsoft bought STNC (wireless communications software)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/07/21/microsoft-acquires-stnc-a-leader-in-digital-cellular-software/
Microsoft bought Visio (enterprise-wide business diagramming & technical drawing software)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/01/07/microsoft-completes-acquisition-of-visio/
Microsoft bought Softway Systems (suite of utilities & developer tools for UNIX)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/09/17/microsoft-acquires-softway-systems-to-strengthen-future-customer-interoperability-solutions/
Microsoft bought Entropic (speech R & D software toolkits, ESPE/waves+ & HTK)
https://news.microsoft.com/1999/10/29/microsoft-acquires-entropic-an-innovator-in-speech-technologies/
Microsoft bought 4.7% stake in Commtouch Software (Israeli e-mail provider)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB94656861640089852
Microsoft bought 10% stake Gigamedia (Taiwanese broadband firm)
https://www.cbronline.com/news/microsoft_links_with_gigamedia_for_broadband_net_services/
2000
Microsoft bought Peach Networks (technology for enhanced TV services in digital television)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/02/29/microsoft-to-acquire-peach-networks/
Microsoft bought (via 85% of shares in Expedia) Travelscape (travel booking platform)
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/feb/02/travelscapecom-to-be-purchased-for-818-million-in-/
Microsoft bought stake Intertainer (entertainment-on-demand service)
https://www.wired.com/1998/08/nbc-buys-stake-in-intertainer/
Microsoft bought 1.35% stake VerticalNet (B2B procurement portals)
https://www.forbes.com/2001/05/02/0502vertnet.html
Microsoft bought 20% stake RealNames (domain registry)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/03/14/steve-ballmer-announces-increased-commitment-of-msn-to-realnames-internet-keyword-navigation-solution/
Microsoft bought 9% stake MEASAT Broadcast Network (Malaysian communication satellites)
https://www.multichannel.com/news/microsoft-takes-stake-japanese-mso-titus-138201
Microsoft bought minority stake Best Buy (electronics retailer)
https://web.archive.org/web/20090803103218/http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M%26A/Microsoft_Corp_acquires_a_minority_stake_in_Best_Buy_Co_Inc-952984020
Microsoft bought 22.98% stake Telewest Communications (cable, phone, internet)
https://money.cnn.com/2000/07/05/worldbiz/microsoft_telewest/
Microsoft bought stake CAIS Internet (broadband)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/05/03/cais-internet-and-microsoft-advance-internet-services-for-consumers/
Microsoft bought stake Corel Corporation (Canadian, graphics processing)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/10/02/corel-and-microsoft-announce-strategic-alliance/
Microsoft bought 8.73% stake Chyron Corporation (broadcast graphics)
https://web.archive.org/web/20090803101246/http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M%26A/Microsoft_Corp_acquires_a_minority_stake_in_Chyron_Corp_from_MWW_Group-1073079020
Microsoft bought stake BroadBand Office (communication)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/02/23/microsoft-announces-relationship-with-broadband-office-to-offer-bundled-services-solutions/
Microsoft bought Titus Communications (Japan’s 2nd largest cable tv provider)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/04/10/microsoft-acquires-mediaone-internationals-stake-in-titus-communications/
Microsoft bought Driveoff.Com (auto e-commerce)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/06/12/msn-carpoint-to-acquire-driveoff-com-to-make-it-easier-for-consumers-to-buy-cars-online/
Microsoft bought Bungie Software (developer of action oriented computer & video games)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/06/19/microsoft-to-acquire-bungie-software/
Microsoft bought NetGames USA (developer of scoring, matchmaking & enhancements for retail and Web-based games)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/07/12/microsoft-acquires-netgames-usa/
Microsoft bought MongoMusic (digital music infrastructure)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/09/13/microsoft-acquires-mongomusic/
Microsoft bought Pacific Microsonics Inc (HDCD digital audio technology)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/09/18/microsoft-acquires-pacific-microsonics-inc/
Microsoft bought WebAppoint (online scheduling software)
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-nabs-scheduling-service-for-net/
Microsoft bought Digital Anvil (games developer)
https://news.microsoft.com/2000/12/05/microsoft-to-acquire-digital-anvil/
Microsoft bought Great Plains Software (midmarket business applications)
https://news.microsoft.com/2001/04/05/microsoft-completes-acquisition-of-great-plains/
2001
Microsoft bought (via 85% of shares in Expedia) Vacationspot (reservation network for vacation homes, inns, etc.)
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/vacationspot-com#section-overview
Microsoft bought Intellisol International (Canadian Payroll System)
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/microsoft-acquires-canadian-payroll-system/article1181613/
Microsoft bought Audible.com (audio retail)
https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-acquires-audible-for-300-million/
Microsoft bought 10% stake Sendo (British manufacturer & supplier of mobile phones)
https://slashdot.org/story/02/12/26/1423247/sendo-accuses-ms-of-stealing-smartphone-ip
Microsoft bought Design Intelligence
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/acquisition-history.aspx
Microsoft bought Ensemble Studios (games developer – Age of Empires)
https://news.microsoft.com/2001/05/03/microsoft-reaches-agreement-to-acquire-ensemble-studios/
Microsoft bought NCompass Labs (web content management software package – NCompass Resolution)
https://news.microsoft.com/2001/04/30/microsoft-to-acquire-ncompass-labs/
Microsoft bought Maximal Innovative Intelligence (Israeli data-agnostic analysis solution which works with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services)
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-499478
Microsoft bought Yupi Internet Inc (Spanish language sites: Yupi.com, CiudadFutura, MujerFutura.com & YupiTV)
https://news.microsoft.com/2001/06/21/microsoft-and-telmex-joint-venture-t1msn-to-acquire-yupi-internet-accelerating-expansion-in-u-s-hispanic-market/
2002
Microsoft bought (via Expedia) Classic Custom Vacations (assets of vacation wholesaler)
https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4010725.html
Microsoft bought Navision (integrated business software solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2002/07/11/microsoft-acquires-navision/
Microsoft bought 15.4% stake in USA Networks (tv)
https://web.archive.org/web/20090803093940/http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M%26A/Microsoft_Corp_acquires_a_minority_stake_in_USA_Networks_Inc-1271839020
Microsoft bought XDegrees (peer to peer tech)
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/09/09/daily13.html
Microsoft bought Rare Ltd (game developers – GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, Banjo-Kazooie & Donkey Kong 64)
https://news.microsoft.com/2002/09/24/microsoft-acquires-video-game-powerhouse-rare-ltd/
Microsoft bought Vicinity (location-based technology solution)
https://news.microsoft.com/2002/12/12/microsoft-completes-acquisition-of-vicinity-corp/
2003
Microsoft bought Connectix (virtual machine integration solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2003/02/19/microsoft-acquires-connectix-virtual-machine-technology/
Microsoft bought PlaceWare (web conferencing services)
https://news.microsoft.com/2003/04/30/placeware-inc-announces-its-acquisition-by-microsoft-is-complete/
Microsoft bought G.A. Sullivan
https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2003/05/26/daily10.html
Microsoft bought High Heat Major League Baseball (IP of 3DO when they went bankrupt)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Heat_Major_League_Baseball
Microsoft bought GeCAD Software (antivirus software)
https://news.microsoft.com/2003/06/10/microsoft-to-acquire-antivirus-technology-from-gecad-software/
2004
Microsoft bought Encore Business Solutions (IP)
https://www.encorebusiness.com/press/encores-not-for-profit-series-acquired-by-microsoft-business-solutions/
Microsoft bought ActiveViews (ad hoc reporting system)
https://news.microsoft.com/2004/04/26/microsoft-acquires-activeviews-business-intelligence-functionality/
Microsoft bought Lookout Software (email search technology)
https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2004/07/4002-2/
Microsoft bought GIANT Company (anti-spyware & Internet security products)
https://news.microsoft.com/2004/12/16/microsoft-acquires-anti-spyware-leader-giant-company/
2005
Microsoft bought en’tegrate (ERP Complete)
https://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/News/Microsoft-Acquires-ERP-Tool-Set-for-Axapta
Microsoft bought Sybari Software Inc (antivirus products – Antigen)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/06/21/microsoft-completes-acquisition-of-enterprise-security-provider-sybari-software/
Microsoft bought Groove Networks Inc (virtual office collaboration software)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/03/10/microsoft-to-acquire-groove-networks-combining-talents-to-create-anytime-anywhere-collaboration-products-and-services/
Microsoft bought MessageCast (large scale message delivery)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/05/11/msn-acquires-messagecast-to-expand-automated-alerting-services/
Microsoft bought singhua-Shenxun Science & Technology Co Ltd (Chinese mobile software & service company)
https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/19749739
Microsoft bought FrontBridge Technologies (managed services addressing corp e-mail security, compliance & availability requirements)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/07/20/microsoft-to-acquire-frontbridge-technologies-a-leading-provider-of-secure-messaging-services/
Microsoft bought Teleo Inc. (Internet protocol software & services – VoIP)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/08/30/microsoft-acquires-teleo-innovative-voip-technology-company/
Microsoft bought media-streams.com AG (communications apps based on voice over Internet protocol technology – VoIP)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/11/02/microsoft-to-acquire-media-streams-com-ag-technologies-to-integrate-voice-communications-into-microsoft-office-system/
Microsoft bought FolderShare (file synchronization & remote access)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/11/03/microsoft-acquires-foldershare-a-file-synchronization-technology-provider/
Microsoft bought Alacris Inc (certificate management and identity assurance software)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/09/19/microsoft-acquires-identity-and-access-management-solutions-provider-alacris/
2006
Microsoft bought UMT (project & portfolio management software)
https://news.microsoft.com/2005/12/15/microsoft-to-acquire-umt-a-leading-provider-of-portfolio-management-software-and-solutions/
Microsoft bought Motion Bridge (mobile search technology)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/02/13/microsoft-acquires-mobile-search-technology-provider-motionbridge/
Microsoft bought Seadragon Software (web optimized visualization tech for browsing graphics & photos regardless of size)
https://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-seadragon-goes-social-with-zoom-it/
Microsoft bought Onfolio Inc (Internet research & information management provider)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/03/07/microsoft-enhances-windows-live-toolbar-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-onfolio/
Microsoft bought Apptimum Inc (automatically transfer customers’ applications to new computers)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/03/07/microsoft-acquires-apptimum-inc-a-leading-application-transfer-company/
Microsoft bought ProClarity Corp (advanced analysis & visualization technologies)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/04/03/microsoft-agrees-to-acquire-proclarity-enhancing-business-intelligence-offering/
Microsoft bought iView Multimedia (MediaPro for OS X & Windows)
https://www.macworld.com/article/1051551/iview.html
Microsoft bought Lionhead Studios (video game developers- Fable, the hit Xbox & Windows franchises)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/04/06/microsoft-game-studios-acquires-video-game-luminary-peter-molyneuxs-lionhead-studios/
Microsoft bought AssetMetrix (software asset management)
https://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/186701239/microsoft-buys-assetmetrix-enters-software-asset-management-space.htm
Microsoft bought Massive Inc (network for in-game advertising)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/05/04/microsoft-to-acquire-in-game-advertising-pioneer-massive-inc/
Microsoft bought Vexcel (photogrammetry, imagery & remote sensing technologies)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/05/04/microsoft-acquires-vexcel-corp-a-worldwide-leader-in-imagery-and-remote-sensing-technology/
Microsoft bought DeepMetrix (web analytics)
https://www.searchenginewatch.com/2006/05/08/microsoft-acquires-deepmetrix-to-enhance-adcenter-metrics/
Microsoft bought Whale Communications (provider of secure access products, including secure sockets layer (SSL) virtual private networks (VPN) and Web application firewalls)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/05/18/microsoft-to-acquire-whale-communications-a-leading-provider-of-ssl-vpn-and-application-security-technologies/
Microsoft bought Gteko (Israeli company, networking & support software solutions for the digital homes – GTAgent)
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3308473,00.html
Microsoft bought DesktopStandard (software that uses group policy for managing computers)
https://www.networkworld.com/article/2307686/microsoft-acquires-policy-based-management-vendor-desktopstandard.html
Microsoft bought Softricity (provider of application virtualization & dynamic streaming technologies)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/07/17/microsoft-completes-acquisition-of-softricity/
Microsoft bought Winternals (operating system design & architecture – Sysinternals)
https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2006/07/7287-2/
Microsoft bought Azyxxi (health intelligence software, patient clinical info repository – well entrenched in the medical industry)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/07/26/microsoft-expands-presence-in-healthcare-it-industry-with-acquisition-of-health-intelligence-software-azyxxi/
Microsoft bought Colloquis (conversational online business solutions featuring natural language-processing tech)
https://news.microsoft.com/2006/10/12/microsoft-acquires-colloquis-to-enhance-user-interactions-online/
2007
Microsoft bought Medstory Inc (develop intelligent Web search tech specifically for health information)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/02/26/microsoft-demonstrates-further-commitment-to-healthcare-market-with-planned-acquisition-of-web-search-company/
Microsoft bought DevBiz Business Solutions (web front-end for Visual Studio Team Foundation Server)
https://devblogs.microsoft.com/bharry/microsoft-acquires-teamplain/
Microsoft bought 1.6% stake Facebook (social media)
https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-acquires-equity-stake-in-facebook-expands-ad-partnership/
Microsoft bought Tellme Networks, Inc (voice-enabled services)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/03/14/microsoft-to-acquire-tellme-networks/
Microsoft bought OfficeWriter (java reporting for Microsoft office dosc – bought from SoftArtisans)
https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-to-acquire-officewriter/
Microsoft bought ScreenTonic (mobile advertising pioneer)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/05/03/microsoft-acquires-mobile-advertising-pioneer-screentonic/
Microsoft bought Engyro (software solutions to integrate, consolidate & simplify IT operations)
https://www.networkworld.com/article/2347473/microsoft-acquires-mom-connector-maker–engyro–will-cease-selling-mom-2005-connect.html
Microsoft bought Stratature (master data management software for large and small enterprises)
https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/507290
Microsoft bought data centers in Santa Clarita, CA from Savvis (250,000 sqft)
https://www.informationweek.com/microsoft-buys-two-data-centers-for-$200-million/d/d-id/1056690
Microsoft bought (all-cash transaction) aQuantive Inc (advertising platform)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/05/18/microsoft-to-acquire-aquantive-inc/
Microsoft bought Jellyfish.com (social shopping network)
https://mashable.com/2007/10/01/microsoft-jellyfish/
Microsoft bought AdECN, Inc (advertising exchange platform)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/07/26/microsoft-to-acquire-adecn-inc/
Microsoft bought Parlano (application for enterprise group chat)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/08/29/microsoft-to-acquire-parlano/
Microsoft bought (tech, IP & assets) Global Care Solutions (enterprise-class health information systems)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/10/28/microsoft-to-acquire-innovative-healthcare-technology-and-assets-from-global-care-solutions/
Microsoft bought Musiwave (mobile music service provider)
https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/12/acquisitions-ibm-buys-cognos-microsoft-buys-musiwave/
Microsoft bought Multimap (online mapping service – world leader)
https://news.microsoft.com/2007/12/12/microsoft-acquires-one-of-europes-top-online-map-services/
Microsoft bought 90 Degree Software (business intelligence solutions)
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/90-degree-software#section-overview
Microsoft bought (via Avanade) Quadreon (Microsoft Dynamics AX enterprise resource planning)
https://www.avanade.com/~/media/asset/press-release/avanadebelgiumquadreonacquisition324036.pdf
2008
Microsoft bought Fast Search & Transfer ASA (enterprise search solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/01/08/microsoft-announces-offer-to-acquire-fast-search-transfer/
Microsoft bought 10.52% stake in OKWave (Japanese social network)
https://web.archive.org/web/20090803105715/http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M%26A/Microsoft_Corp_acquires_a_minority_stake_in_OKWave-1959895040
Microsoft bought 15% stake in Zignals (stock trading site)
https://venturebeat.com/2008/06/11/microsoft-helps-launch-zignals-stock-trading-site/
Microsoft bought Calista Technologies (virtual device solutions for Windows)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/01/21/microsoft-announces-vision-and-strategy-to-accelerate-virtualization-adoption/
Microsoft bought Caligari Corporation (3D video animation package)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligari_Corporation
Microsoft bought Danger Inc (handsets software & services)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/02/11/microsoft-agrees-to-acquire-danger-inc-strengthens-mobile-consumer-vision/
Microsoft bought YaData (Israeli ad targeting company)
https://venturebeat.com/2008/02/27/microsoft-buys-israeli-ad-targeting-company-yadata/
Microsoft bought Credentica (technology & accompanying SDK for user-centric identity management – U-Prove)
https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/Identity-Privacy-and-Trust/The-other-big-identity-story-Microsoft-acquires-Credentica
Microsoft bought Kidaro (desktop virtualization solutions for enterprises)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/03/12/microsoft-to-expand-investment-in-desktop-virtualization-with-acquisition-of-kidaro/
Microsoft bought Rapt Inc (advertising yield management solutions for digital media publishers)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/03/14/microsoft-announces-acquisition-of-rapt/
Microsoft bought Komoku (advanced rootkit security detection solutions)
https://www.computerworld.com/article/2537859/microsoft-acquires-rootkit-catching-security-company.html
Microsoft bought Farecast (airfare pricing comparison tool, predictive algorithm)
https://techcrunch.com/2008/04/17/microsoft-acquires-farecast-for-115m/
Microsoft bought Navic Networks (provider of television advertising solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/06/17/microsoft-announces-acquisition-of-navic-networks/
Microsoft bought MobiComp (mobile data backup/restoration tech & mobile posting of social content)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/06/26/microsoft-reaches-for-clouds-and-deepens-mobile-possibilities-with-planned-mobicomp-acquisition/
Microsoft bought Powerset (natural language search engine)
https://www.cnet.com/news/its-official-microsoft-acquires-powerset/
Microsoft bought Zoomix (Israeli data optimization provider)
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2008/07/microsoft-acquires-data-quality-software-start-up-zoomix/
Microsoft bought DATAllegro Inc (breakthrough data warehouse appliances)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/07/24/microsoft-to-acquire-datallegro/
Microsoft bought Greenfield Online Inc (internet survey solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2008/09/10/microsoft-to-sell-greenfield-onlines-internet-survey-solutions-business-to-zm-capital/
2009
Microsoft bought 3DV Systems (Israeli company – motion-detection technology)
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-1000460733
Microsoft bought BigPark Inc (interactive online gaming)
https://news.microsoft.com/2009/05/07/microsoft-agrees-to-acquire-bigpark-inc/
Microsoft bought Rosetta Biosoftware (life science bioinformatics solutions that enable advancements in biological research, drug discovery)
https://news.microsoft.com/2009/06/01/microsoft-signs-agreement-with-merck-co-inc-to-acquire-assets-of-rosetta-biosoftware-strengthening-position-in-life-sciences-industry/
Microsoft bought (technology assets of) Interactive Super Computing (desktop parallel computing)
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/windowsserver/2009/09/21/microsoft-acquires-the-technology-assets-of-interactive-supercomputing-isc/
Microsoft bought To Increase & LS Retail (end-to-end retail solution including store management with point-of-sale, merchandising and ERP capabilities)
https://news.microsoft.com/2009/09/22/microsoft-dynamics-acquisitions-accelerate-industry-innovation-for-erp-customers/
Microsoft bought Fullscope Inc (provides tight integration of business processes across discrete & process manufacturing)
https://news.microsoft.com/2009/09/22/microsoft-dynamics-acquisitions-accelerate-industry-innovation-for-erp-customers/
Microsoft bought (assets of) Teamprise (SourceGear LLC)
https://news.microsoft.com/2009/11/09/microsoft-acquires-teamprise-assets-provides-cross-platform-support-for-visual-studio/
Microsoft bought Sentillion (software for the healthcare industry)
https://news.microsoft.com/2009/12/10/microsoft-deepens-investment-in-healthcare-industry-with-acquisition-of-sentillion/
Microsoft bought Opalis Software (IT process automation)
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/virtualization/microsoft-acquires-opalis-software/ba-p/381689
2010
Microsoft bought AVIcode (realtime application monitoring software for the .NET Framework)
https://techcrunch.com/2010/10/06/microsoft-acquires-net-application-monitoring-startup-avicode/
Microsoft bought Canesta, Inc (3D chip maker, 44 patients for ‘electronic perception technology’)
https://www.thestreet.com/technology/microsoft-to-acquire-3-d-chip-firm-canesta-10905777
2011
Microsoft bought Skype (video conference)
https://news.microsoft.com/2011/05/10/media-alert-microsoft-and-skype-hold-press-conference-on-microsofts-acquisition-of-skype/
Microsoft bought Prodiance (Enterprise Risk Manager products for Excel )
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-acquires-prodiance-to-integrate-risk-management-into-future-office-releases/
Microsoft bought Twisted Pixel Games (game developers – Splosion Man & The Gunstringer)
https://www.trueachievements.com/n5862/twisted-pixel-acquired-by-microsoft
Microsoft bought VideoSurf Inc (video discovery technology )
https://news.microsoft.com/2011/11/22/microsoft-acquires-video-content-discovery-company-videosurf/
Microsoft strategic partnership with Toyota for Toyota Medical Service Corp (telematics services)
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-and-toyota-announce-strategic-partnership-to-build-next-generation-telematics-on-windows-azure/
2012
Microsoft bought minority stake [24]7 (AI, outsourcing & call centers)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(24)7.ai
Microsoft bought stake Barnes & Noble (book store)
https://web.archive.org/web/20120614064102/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Press/2012/Apr12/04-30CorpNews.aspx
Microsoft bought Yammer Inc (provider of enterprise social networks)
https://news.microsoft.com/2012/06/25/microsoft-to-acquire-yammer/
Microsoft bought Perceptive Pixel Inc (research, development & production of large-scale, multi-touch display solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2012/07/09/microsoft-to-acquire-perceptive-pixel-inc/#0vZhXo9rPEfvglcV.97
Microsoft bought PhoneFactor Inc (multifactor authentication solutions- MFA)
https://news.microsoft.com/2012/10/04/microsoft-acquires-phonefactor/#ToVmjxvIISWjREdB.97
Microsoft bought MarketingPilot (marketing-automation firm & assets)
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-buys-marketing-automation-firm-marketingpilot/
2012
Microsoft bought StorSimple Inc (Cloud-integrated Storage solutions – CiS)
https://news.microsoft.com/2012/10/16/microsoft-reaches-agreement-to-acquire-storsimple/#xDtwFHoHOjzILZ5i.97
Microsoft bought R2 Studios (home entertainment & home automation)
https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/03/microsoft-r2-studios-acquisition-xbox/
2013
Microsoft bought Pando Networks (peer-to-peer file-sharing technology)
https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2013/03/14/microsoft-acquires-pando-next-xbox-uses-rumoured/
Microsoft bought id8 (smarthome automation)
https://gadgets.ndtv.com/tv/news/microsoft-acquires-home-automation-startup-id8-312646
Microsoft bought MetricsHub (cloud monitoring)
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-acquires-metricshub/
Microsoft bought NetBreeze (native language analytics, data mining, transactional & text analysis capabilities)
https://news.microsoft.com/2013/03/19/microsoft-dynamics-reimagines-and-unites-the-worlds-of-business-and-it/
Microsoft bought InRelease Business Unit (InCycle Software – application lifecycle management services & Release Management solutions on .NET platform)
Microsoft bought Nokia mobile devices & services
https://news.microsoft.com/2013/09/03/microsoft-to-acquire-nokias-devices-services-business-license-nokias-patents-and-mapping-services/
Microsoft bought ITAP from HLW Software (remote desktop client)
https://ryanmangansitblog.com/2013/10/18/microsoft-acquire-itap-from-hlw-software/
Microsoft bought Apiphany (API management delivery platform)
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-acquires-apiphany/
2014
Microsoft bought Parature (cloud-based customer engagement solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2014/01/07/microsoft-acquires-parature-to-add-leading-customer-self-service-suite-to-microsoft-dynamics-crm/
Microsoft bought GreenButton (on-demand solutions to manage compute-intensive workloads in the cloud)
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/big-compute-for-microsoft-azure-announcing-the-acquisition-of-greenbutton/
Microsoft bought Capptain (mobile push analytics provider)
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/announcing-the-acquisition-of-capptain/
Microsoft bought SyntaxTree (UnityVS plugin for Visual Studio)
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/somasegar/microsoft-acquires-syntaxtree-creator-of-unityvs-plugin-for-visual-studio
Microsoft bought InMage (cloud-based business continuity)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2014/07/11/microsoft-acquires-inmage-better-business-continuity-with-azure/
Microsoft bought Mojang (game developer – Minecraft)
https://news.microsoft.com/2014/09/15/minecraft-to-join-microsoft/
Microsoft bought Aorato (enterprise security)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2014/11/13/microsoft-acquires-aorato-give-enterprise-customers-better-defense-digital-intruders-hybrid-cloud-world/
Microsoft bought Acompli (mobile email apps for iOS & Android)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2014/12/01/microsoft-acquires-acompli-provider-innovative-mobile-email-apps/
Microsoft bought HockeyApp (mobile crash analytics & beta distribution service for iOS, Android & Windows Phone)
https://devblogs.microsoft.com/bharry/microsoft-acquires-hockeyapp/
2015
Microsoft bought Equivio (machine learning technologies for eDiscovery & information governance)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/01/20/microsoft-acquires-equivio-provider-machine-learning-powered-compliance-solutions/
Microsoft bought Revolution Analytics (software & services for R language)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/01/23/microsoft-acquire-revolution-analytics-help-customers-find-big-data-value-advanced-statistical-analysis/
Microsoft bought Sunrise (calendar app for iOS & Android)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/02/11/microsoft-acquires-sunrise-creator-innovative-calendar-app-mobile-devices/
Microsoft bought N-trig (styli & pen input hardware/software)
https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-acquires-surface-pen-technology-from-n-trig/
Microsoft bought LiveLoop (Powerpoint collaboration tool)
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-buys-office-collaboration-tool-maker-liveloop/
Microsoft bought Datazen Software (mobile business intelligence & data visualization on Windows, iOS and Android devices)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/04/14/microsoft-acquires-mobile-business-intelligence-leader-datazen/
Microsoft bought 6Wunderkinder (app developers – Wunderlist)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/06/02/welcome-6wunderkinder-microsoft-acquires-wunderlist/
Microsoft bought BlueStripe (application management technology)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/06/10/microsoft-acquires-bluestripe-to-help-customers-improve-application-visibility-and-management-across-the-datacenter-and-cloud/
Microsoft bought FieldOne Systems LLC (field service management solutions)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/07/16/microsoft-acquires-fieldone-global-provider-of-field-service-management-solutions-for-the-enterprise/
Microsoft bought Incent Games Inc (sales gamification platform – FantasySalesTeam )
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/08/03/microsoft-acquires-fantasysalesteam-an-innovative-sales-gamification-platform-to-help-organizations-increase-productivity/
Microsoft bought VoloMetrix (organizational analytics)
http://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/09/03/microsoft-to-acquire-volometrix-to-empower-individuals-and-drive-organizational-productivity/
Microsoft bought Adallom (cloud security)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/09/08/microsoft-acquires-adallom-to-advance-identity-and-security-in-the-cloud/
Microsoft bought Double Labs (app developers – Echo Notification Lockscreen)
https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/11/microsoft-buys-double-labs-the-startup-behind-android-lockscreen-app-echo/
Microsoft bought Adxstudio Inc (Web portals, online engagement solutions & application lifecycle management solutions for Microsoft Dynamics CRM)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/09/28/microsoft-acquires-adxstudio-inc-web-portal-and-application-lifecycle-management-solutions-provider/
Microsoft bought (from Intel) Havok (3D physics)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/10/02/havok-to-join-microsoft/
Microsoft bought Mobile Data Labs (intelligent productivity solutions for mobile professionals – MileIQ)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/11/05/microsoft-acquires-mobile-data-labs-to-advance-intelligent-productivity-solutions-for-the-mobile-workforce/
Microsoft bought Secure Islands (advanced information protection solutions)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/11/09/microsoft-to-acquire-secure-islands-a-leader-in-data-protection-technology/
Microsoft bought Metanautix (data analytics)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2015/12/18/microsoft-acquires-metanautix-to-help-customers-connect-data-for-business-insights/
Microsoft bought Talko (mobile messaging)
https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/21/microsoft-buys-ray-ozzies-communications-startup-talko-team-will-join-skype/
2016
Microsoft bought Event Zero (assets of UC Commander)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/01/13/microsoft-acquires-management-reporting-and-analytics-technology-from-event-zero-to-enhance-skype-for-business-online/
Microsoft bought MinecraftEdu (Minecraft for the classroom, Learning Tools for OneNote)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/01/19/microsoft-invests-in-new-and-expanded-version-of-minecraft-for-the-classroom-opens-public-preview-of-learning-tools-for-onenote/
Microsoft bought SwiftKey (software keyboard and SDK – Android & iOS devices)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/02/03/microsoft-acquires-swiftkey-in-support-of-re-inventing-productivity-ambition/
Microsoft bought Xamarin (platform for mobile app development)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/02/24/microsoft-to-acquire-xamarin-and-empower-more-developers-to-build-apps-on-any-device/
Microsoft bought Solair (Internet of Things services)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/05/03/microsoft-acquires-solair-to-help-customers-harness-the-power-of-the-internet-of-things/
Microsoft bought LinkedIn
https://news.microsoft.com/2016/06/13/microsoft-to-acquire-linkedin/
Microsoft bought Wand Labs (messaging app developer)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/06/16/microsoft-acquires-wand-labs-to-accelerate-innovation-in-bing-intelligence-and-conversation-as-a-platform/
Microsoft bought Code Connect (Visual Studio)
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=CodeConnect.CodeConnectAlpha-12804
Microsoft bought Beam (interactive livestreaming for gaming)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/08/11/microsoft-acquires-beam-interactive-livestreaming-service/
Microsoft bought Genee (artificial-intelligence-powered scheduling service)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2016/08/22/microsoft-acquisition-of-genee-to-accelerate-intelligent-experiences-in-office-365/
2017
Microsoft bought Maluuba (deep learning research labs for natural language understanding)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2017/01/13/microsoft-acquires-deep-learning-startup-maluuba-ai-pioneer-yoshua-bengio-advisory-role/
Microsoft bought Simplygon (automatic 3D data-optimization solutions)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2017/01/17/microsoft-acquires-simplygon-accelerate-innovation-enabling-3d-everyone/
Microsoft bought Deis (Container technologies)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2017/04/10/microsoft-acquire-deis-help-companies-innovate-containers/
Microsoft bought Intentional Software (team productivity platform)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2017/04/18/microsoft-acquire-intentional-software-expand-future-productivity-capabilities/
Microsoft bought Hexadite (agentless, automatic incident investigation & remediation solutions)
https://news.microsoft.com/2017/06/08/microsoft-signs-agreement-to-acquire-hexadite/
Microsoft bought Cloudyn (cost management software)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2017/06/29/microsofts-acquisition-cloudyn-will-help-azure-customers-manage-optimize-cloud-usage/
Microsoft bought Cycle Computing (cloud computing orchestration)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2017/08/15/microsoft-acquires-cycle-computing-accelerate-big-computing-cloud/
Microsoft bought AltSpaceVR (VR meeting)
https://altvr.com/joining-microsoft/
Microsoft bought SWNG (Photo manipulation app – make ‘living photos’)
https://mspoweruser.com/microsoft-acquires-living-photo-app-swng/
2018
Microsoft bought Avere Systems (high-performance file system solutions for hybrid cloud infrastructures)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/01/03/microsoft-to-acquire-avere-systems-accelerating-high-performance-computing-innovation-for-media-and-entertainment-industry-and-beyond/
Microsoft bought PlayFab (complete backend platform provider of services to build, launch & grow cloud-connected games)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/01/29/microsoft-acquires-playfab-accelerating-game-development-innovation-cloud/
Microsoft bought stake Grab Holdings (Singaporean ride sharing company)
https://news.microsoft.com/2018/10/08/grab-forges-strategic-cloud-partnership-with-microsoft-to-drive-innovation-and-adoption-of-digital-services-across-southeast-asia/
Microsoft bought Semantic Machines (conversational AI)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/05/20/microsoft-acquires-semantic-machines-advancing-the-state-of-conversational-ai/
Microsoft bought GitHub (software development platform)
https://news.microsoft.com/2018/06/04/microsoft-to-acquire-github-for-7-5-billion/
Microsoft bought Compulsion Games (game developer – Contrast & We Happy Few)
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/06/10/e3-2018-compulsion-games-joins-microsoft-studios/
Microsoft bought Undead Labs (game developer – State of Decay)
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/06/10/e3-2018-undead-labs-joins-microsoft-studios/
Microsoft bought Playground Games (game developer – Forza Horizon & Forza)
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/06/10/e3-2018-playground-games-joins-microsoft-studios/
Microsoft bought Ninja Theory (game developer – Kung Fu Chaos, Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, DmC: Devil May Cry & Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice)
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/06/10/e3-2018-ninja-theory-joins-microsoft-studios/
Microsoft bought Flipgrid (video-based social learning platform used by 20 million pre-kindergarten)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/06/18/microsoft-and-flipgrid-unite-to-bring-social-learning-to-students-around-the-world/
Microsoft bought Bonsai (simplifies machine learning, general-purpose, deep reinforcement learning platform)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/06/20/microsoft-to-acquire-bonsai-in-move-to-build-brains-for-autonomous-systems/
Microsoft bought Lobe (simplifies machine learning)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/09/13/microsoft-acquires-lobe-to-help-bring-ai-development-capability-to-everyone/
Microsoft bought Glint (employee engagement platform for organizations)
https://news.linkedin.com/2018/10/linkedin-announces-intent-to-acquire-glint
Microsoft bought Inxile (game developer – The Bard’s Tale, Hunted: The Demon’s Forge, Fantastic Contraption, Wasteland 2, Torment: Tides of Numenera & Wasteland 3)
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/11/10/obsidian-inxile-join-microsoft-studios/
Microsoft bought Obsidian Entertainment (game developer – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Fallout: New Vegas, South Park: The Stick of Truth & Pillars of Eternity)
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/11/10/obsidian-inxile-join-microsoft-studios/
Microsoft bought XOXCO (software product design and development studio known for its conversational AI and bot development capabilities)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/11/14/microsoft-to-acquire-xoxco-bringing-together-leading-bot-development-communities-to-help-advance-conversational-ai/
Microsoft bought FSLogix (app-provisioning platform)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018/11/19/microsoft-acquires-fslogix-to-enhance-the-office-365-virtualization-experience/
Microsoft bought Spectrum (community chat software)
https://spectrum.chat/spectrum/general/spectrum-is-joining-github~1d3eb8ee-4c99-46c0-8daf-ca35a96be6ce
2019
Microsoft bought Citus Data (extension that transforms PostgreSQL into a distributed database for developers)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2019/01/24/microsoft-acquires-citus-data-re-affirming-its-commitment-to-open-source-and-accelerating-azure-postgresql-performance-and-scale/
Microsoft bought DataSense (combo cloud service for educators)
https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2019/02/introducing-datasense-to-microsoft-educations-family-of-products/
Microsoft bought stake Databricks (software for processing large-scale data inpublic clouds)
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/04/microsoft-invests-in-databricks-funding-at-2point7-billion-valuation.html
Microsoft bought Express Logic (real time operating systems for IoT & edge devices powered by microcontroller units)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2019/04/18/microsoft-acquires-express-logic-accelerating-iot-development-for-billions-of-devices-at-scale/
Microsoft bought Dependabot (tool that automates dependency updates& its integration directly into GitHub)
https://www.neowin.net/news/github-acquires-dependabot-launches-github-sponsors
Microsoft bought Drawbridge (machine learning digital identity management technology)
https://news.linkedin.com/2019/January/accelerating-our-marketing-solutions-technology-platform-
Microsoft bought Double Fine Productions (game developers – Psychonauts, Brütal Legend, Broken Age & remaster LucasArts games Grim Fandango, Day of the Tentacle & Full Throttle)
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2019/06/09/double-fine-productions-joins-xbox-game-studios/
Microsoft bought Pull Panda (tools for teams using GitHub)
https://pullpanda.com/github
Microsoft bought BlueTalon (data-centric security, user access control, data masking & auditing solutions for complex, hybrid data environments)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2019/07/29/microsoft-acquires-bluetalon-simplifying-data-privacy-and-governance-across-modern-data-estates/
Microsoft bought PromoteIQ (retail advertising)
https://about.ads.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/post/august-2019/microsoft-acquires-promoteiq
Microsoft bought jClarity (AdoptOpenJDK project)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2019/08/19/microsoft-acquires-jclarity-to-help-optimize-java-workloads-on-azure/
Microsoft bought Semmle (code analysis platform provider)
https://github.blog/2019-09-18-github-welcomes-semmle/
Microsoft bought Mover (cloud file migration)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2019/10/21/microsoft-acquires-mover-to-simplify-and-speed-file-migration-to-microsoft-365/
Microsoft bought Movere (cloud file migration)
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-acquires-movere-to-help-customers-unlock-cloud-innovation-with-seamless-migration-tools/
2020
Microsoft bought Affirmed Networks (5G virtualized, cloud-native mobile network solutions)
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2020/03/26/microsoft-announces-agreement-to-acquire-affirmed-networks-to-deliver-new-opportunities-for-a-global-5g-ecosystem/
Microsoft Products
Bosque (means ‘forest’) programming language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosque_(programming_language)
DirectX
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DirectX
Encarta (means ‘to summon’)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encarta
Singularity
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singularity_(operating_system)
Surface Pro X
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/surface-pro-x/8vdnrp2m6hhc?activetab=overview
Xbox
https://www.xbox.com
Xenix
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenix
XNA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_XNA