In a reflective moment during Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Bill Gates unveiled the origins of what would become an industry-defining milestone—the creation of Altair Basic. This programming language interpreter was crucial to the development of the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer, a piece of technology that went down in history as a turning point for both Microsoft and the software industry at large.
Microsoft’s Beginnings with Altair Basic
Back in 1975, a young Bill Gates alongside his partners Paul Allen and Monte Davidoff embarked on a venture that would change the trajectory of computing. They recognized the potential of the Altair 8800’s chip and sought to unleash its capabilities by developing Altair Basic. It was through this innovative programming language that the microcomputer could be put to a full range of uses, setting a new standard for what personal computers were capable of achieving.
This move wasn't merely about technological advancement—it was about vision. Gates and Allen saw beyond the hardware of the Altair 8800 and envisaged a world where computers were accessible to everyone, with software that was as intuitive as it was powerful. By enabling the Altair 8800 to run Basic, they not only demonstrated that the computer could handle complex tasks but also initiated a shift towards user-oriented programming that remains a hallmark of Microsoft’s ethos today.
The Role of MITS in Microsoft’s Story
MITS, a trailblazer in its own right, played a crucial role in Microsoft’s early days. The company didn’t just buy software from Gates and Allen; they licensed it, setting the stage for Microsoft’s first official product. This licensing deal was unprecedented at the time, ambitively setting Microsoft on a trajectory to become the software powerhouse it is today.
The partnership with MITS was not just crucial in terms of financial growth and product development for Microsoft, but it also provided Gates and Allen with a platform to showcase the potential of their Altair Basic software. It proved that user-driven software tailored to specific hardware needs could open doors to customized computing solutions, an invaluable lesson that enhanced Microsoft's approach in subsequent decades.
As he looks back, Gates still holds the Altair Basic code in high regard, describing it as his 'coolest code ever written.’ This claim is not merely nostalgia; it reflects on a lifetime of achievements that stemmed from the seminal idea of making computing accessible and empowering users with tools to realize their own technical potential.
More than just a historical anecdote, the story of Altair Basic is a testament to Microsoft’s pioneering spirit and ongoing influence in making technology both powerful and available to the masses.
