Paul Allen

Microsoft Co-Founding and Early Years

This timeline covers the creation of Microsoft, its initial success with BASIC, and Allen's role in the company's early development and direction.

Founding of Microsoft (Initially Micro-Soft)

1975

Allen and Gates co-founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800, one of the first personal computers. Allen coined the name 'Micro-Soft,' a portmanteau of 'microcomputer' and 'software.'

Development of BASIC

1975-1980

Allen played a crucial role in developing and adapting BASIC for the Altair and subsequent personal computers. His technical expertise was vital to Microsoft's early success. Allen's ability to emulate the Intel 8080 processor on a PDP-10 was critical to the development of the BASIC interpreter without needing the actual hardware.

Microsoft Moves to Washington

1979

Microsoft relocated its headquarters from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Washington, closer to Allen and Gates's hometown of Seattle.

Strategic Decisions

Early 1980s

Allen was involved in key strategic decisions that shaped Microsoft's future, including the decision to license MS-DOS to IBM, which proved to be a pivotal move that catapulted Microsoft to industry dominance.