Microsoft had a strong year in 2024, with revenue and earnings both rising. The company’s focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) is paying off, as these areas continue to grow in importance.
Cloud computing
Microsoft’s cloud computing business, Azure, continued to grow in 2024. The company’s market share in the public cloud market is now over 20%, making it the second-largest provider behind Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Azure is seeing strong growth in a number of key areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT). The company is also investing heavily in new cloud-based services, such as Azure Stack and Azure Arc.
Artificial intelligence
Microsoft is also making significant investments in artificial intelligence. The company has a number of AI-powered products and services, including the Cortana virtual assistant, the Azure AI platform, and the Windows 11 operating system.
Microsoft is also working on a number of new AI-powered products and services, such as a new AI-powered search engine and an AI-powered personal assistant that can help users with their everyday tasks.
Other highlights
In addition to cloud computing and AI, Microsoft also had a number of other highlights in 2024. The company released the new Windows 11 operating system, which received positive reviews from critics and users.
Microsoft also announced a number of new hardware products, including the Surface Duo 2 foldable phone, the Surface Pro 8 tablet, and the Surface Laptop Studio.
Outlook for 2025
Microsoft is well-positioned for continued growth in 2025. The company’s focus on cloud computing and AI is in line with the trends that are shaping the technology industry.
Microsoft is also investing heavily in research and development, which will help the company to stay ahead of the competition.
