Today, Microsoft is known all around the world from their headquarters in Redmond Washington (near Seattle). But they weren't always a Pacific Northwest company. Microsoft's humble beginning was here in the Southwest. Albuquerque, New Mexico. And ironic since I was in Sonoma only two weeks ago, https://www.yelp.com/biz/bliss-hill-sonoma?hrid=iQmxwJBjOQ3z_14tad7WJg Microsoft was founded here in 1975 where they remained until 1979, Bill Gates and Paul G. Allen wrote a version of BASIC for the MITS Altair. There is no Microsoft here now other than what might exist on the desktop computers of the companies that operate out of this strip mall. But yet, it all began here and this plaque commemorates it. It reads, "Microsoft, Inc., founded at this site in 1975 - and headquartered in Albuquerque until 1979 - was established by Paul G. Allen and Bill Gates. The opportunity to write a version of BASIC for the MITS Altair drew them to the area and sparked their vision of "a computer on every desk and in every home." That passion for innovative technology led to the development of Microsoft's groundbreaking software. Paul Allen and Bill Gates would like to acknowledge the important role that the city of Albuquerque played in the company's early development, offering an environment that stimulated creativity and encouraged entrepreneurial spirit." [Review 21081 overall - 128 in New Mexico - 44 of 2024.] read more