A Brief History of Microsoft PowerPoint

Summary

Microsoft PowerPoint, initially released for Macintosh, became the leading presentation software with a 95% market share. Created by Silicon Valley startup Forethought Inc. in 1987, it was sold to Microsoft, marking their first major acquisition. Despite initial low market share and distribution challenges, PowerPoint's integration into Windows and the Microsoft Office suite propelled it to dominance. Its success is attributed to capturing the corporate world, maintaining a stronghold despite free alternatives like Google Sheets and Apple's Keynote.

Takeaways

• 🍏 The initial release of Microsoft PowerPoint was on Macintosh only.
• 💡 PowerPoint was created by Silicon Valley startup Forethought Inc. and originally named 'Presenter'.
• 💼 Microsoft acquired PowerPoint for $14 million, which would be around $32.5 million today.
• 🔄 Bill Gates initially opposed the acquisition, seeing presentation features as part of Microsoft Word.
• 🚀 The decision to include PowerPoint in Microsoft Office and market it alongside Word and Excel helped boost its distribution.
• 📈 PowerPoint overcame low market share by being integrated into Windows and Microsoft Office suite.
• 🌍 Despite competition from free alternatives like Google Slides and Apple's Keynote, PowerPoint dominates with a 95% market share.
• 💼 Its stronghold in the corporate world is a key factor in PowerPoint's continued success.
• 🤔 The script prompts users to consider what point they will make, suggesting the importance of effective communication.
• 🎥 The narrative includes a historical perspective on the evolution and market strategy of PowerPoint.

Q & A

Which two companies are considered the most famous rivals in the computing industry?

Apple and Microsoft are the two most famous rivals in the computing industry.

On which platform was Microsoft PowerPoint first released?

Microsoft PowerPoint was first released on Macintosh.

What was the original name of the presentation software created by Forethought Inc.?

The original name of the presentation software created by Forethought Inc. was 'Presenter'.

Why did Forethought Inc. have to change the name of their software from 'Presenter' to 'PowerPoint'?

Forethought Inc. had to change the name from 'Presenter' to 'PowerPoint' because 'Presenter' was already trademarked by someone else.

How many units of PowerPoint did Forethought Inc. sell before it was sold to Microsoft?

Forethought Inc. sold 10,000 units of PowerPoint before it was sold to Microsoft.

What was Microsoft's first major acquisition?

Microsoft's first major acquisition was PowerPoint.

What was Bill Gates' initial vision for presentation software in relation to Microsoft Word?

Bill Gates initially envisioned the ability to create presentations as a feature of Microsoft Word, not as its own program.

How much did Microsoft pay for the acquisition of PowerPoint?

Microsoft acquired PowerPoint for a cost of 14 million dollars.

What were the two main problems Microsoft faced with PowerPoint after the acquisition?

The two main problems Microsoft faced with PowerPoint were low market share and insufficient distribution.

How did Microsoft improve the distribution of PowerPoint?

Microsoft improved the distribution of PowerPoint by marketing and selling Word, PowerPoint, and Excel together as a package called Microsoft Office.

What is PowerPoint's current market share, and how does it compare to its competitors?

PowerPoint has a 95% market share, significantly outperforming its competitors like free Google Sheets and the free on Mac, Keynote.

Why does PowerPoint maintain a strong market grip despite being a paid software?

PowerPoint maintains a strong market grip because Microsoft Office captured the corporate world and has not lost its dominance.