Editing Microsoft Corporation (section)

=== A Dominant Force in the Tech Industry   ===
As 2022 dawned, Microsoft Corporation reaffirmed its status as a global tech titan, boasting a market capitalisation of approximately $2.6 trillion and securing its position as the world’s second most valuable company, just behind Apple <ref>{{cite web |url=https://businessmodelanalyst.com/microsoft-swot-analysis/ |quote=Microsoft's market capitalization was approximately $2.6 trillion in 2022. }}</ref>. With a 21% market share, the company continued to compete fiercely with rivals like Amazon, Google, and Facebook, leveraging its legacy as a pioneer in software and enterprise solutions <ref>{{cite web |url=https://usesignhouse.com/blog/microsoft-stats/ |quote=Microsoft held about 21% of the global tech market share in 2022. }}</ref>.  

Microsoft’s focus for the year aligned closely with its long-term strategy, emphasising cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/microsofts-strategy-2022-its-all-about-cloud |quote=Microsoft's strategy for 2022 focused heavily on cloud computing. }}</ref>. Azure, its flagship cloud platform, remained a cornerstone of growth, with innovations such as the general availability of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) node pools using confidential virtual machines (VMs) <ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-confidential-computing/new-milestones-at-ignite-2022-for-azure-confidential-computing/ba-p/3648777 |quote=Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) node pools using confidential VMs became generally available in 2022. }}</ref> and the integration of OpenAI’s cutting-edge technology into its productivity suite <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/topics/823/microsoft/ |quote=Microsoft integrated OpenAI's technology into its productivity suite in 2022. }}</ref>. These advancements highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.  

Security also took centre stage, with the retirement of outdated Transport Layer Security (TLS) versions 1.0 and 1.1 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.admindroid.com/2022-end-of-support-milestone-in-microsoft-365/ |quote=Microsoft retired Transport Layer Security (TLS) versions 1.0 and 1.1 in February 2022. }}</ref> and significant updates to Microsoft Defender, reinforcing its leadership in cybersecurity. On the software front, the Windows Developer Team prioritised performance improvements for Windows 11, enhancing user experience and system efficiency <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ghacks.net/2021/11/28/performance-of-windows-11-is-a-focus-for-microsoft-in-2022/ |quote=Microsoft's Windows Developer Team focused on performance improvements for Windows 11 in 2022. }}</ref>.  

Sustainability initiatives gained momentum, with ambitious goals to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2022/03/10/an-update-on-microsofts-sustainability-commitments-building-a-foundation-for-2030/ |quote=Microsoft aimed to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, with progress updates starting from 2021. }}</ref>. Progress updates from 2021 highlighted tangible steps, including a 17% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and the world’s largest purchase of carbon removal. This holistic approach positioned Microsoft as a forward-thinking leader, shaping the future of the tech industry while honouring its historical legacy.