Microsoft is celebrating 30 years in existence.

The company, created by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, makes the software for more than 90% of the world's computers.

Internet-based rivals such as Google are challenging Microsoft's control of the market but Bill Gates says that even at 30 the company is far from complacent.

What do you think of Microsoft? How can it sustain its position? Should one company be allowed to have so much hold on the market? Send us your comments.

This debate is now closed. Please read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

Gates and Allen made computer technology accessible Dan, Yateley, UK

Microsoft, for all their faults, have made the PC easy for mere mortals to set up, operate and troubleshoot. For the old school techies commanding big salaries off the back of supporting confusing and unintuitive operating systems like Unix, it's understandable that they feel threatened, and resort to belittling Microsoft. Gates and Allen made computer technology accessible, and deserve every ounce of the success they've had.
Dan, Yateley, UK

Love it or loathe it, Microsoft has the IT world dancing to its tune. Press any key to continue.
Chris B, Bedford, UK

I'm sitting here now using a free operating system, Ubuntu. After using Windows for over five years, I can safely say that I am sick and tired of it. Bill Gates is a true marketing genius, and the most admirable billionaire ever to exist. His efforts for charity and needy causes are simply magnificent. But in terms of his company, Microsoft, they have terrible business ethics and make bad software. End of story.
James Greenwood, Telford, UK

Microsoft's software has been hugely successful because they took the idea of the Graphical User Interface (what we now know as Windows) and ran with it when nobody else did. Windows and all its associated programs have brought computing to the masses. However, for those who use computers for raw number crunching power, such as computational chemists, physicists and engineers, Windows is not even an option because it is inherently unstable and inefficient as an operating system.
Lloyd Evans, Brighton, UK

What Bill Gates and the corporation have done for the world is brilliant Matt Lloyd, Swansea, Wales

Congratulations Microsoft. What Bill Gates and the corporation have done for the world is brilliant and have revolutionised our world. Yes some people envy their power but as I type on a Windows machine with Explorer enjoying the power I have at my finger tips I thank Microsoft. For all those who say they "struggle" with Windows can you imagine a life without it? They are a progressive, inventive company and one which has good morals from what I can see. Bill Gates ploughs millions into charity every year, how many other successful business people can say the same. Well done, good luck and thanks!
Matt Lloyd, Swansea, Wales

As I observe all the Bill Gates "bashing" from those who benefit daily from what Microsoft has done for the world, I am slightly puzzled. I use both PC and Apple-based technology - each has its place. However, there is absolutely no doubt that without Bill Gates and Microsoft this planet (and even the Apple Corporation) would not be where it is as far as the extent, depth, breadth, and ease of using computer-based media for all aspects of modern interactions.
D Barbara, Columbus, Ohio, USA

What Bill has achieved with Microsoft has been won for 30 years in the face of fierce competition. Microsoft was never given free software like the UNIX bunch, or LINUX the latter day UNIX. Microsoft won its dollars and market share fair and square with bare knuckle fights. Its big its bloated but it works and that more than many software companies can claim for their products.
David Fraser, Singapore

Gates has a work ethic that is unmatched. Microsoft deserves all the success it garners. Congrats!
Hugo Gomez, Downey, California, USA

It's always amusing to see people who have only ever used computers in the Microsoft times telling us what a utopia we have. Older professionals, like myself, have seen the destruction of much of the software industry, the death of innovation, and the trashing on the open standards which existed before Microsoft came on the scene.
Chris Hann, Bay Area, CA, USA

Microsoft is wonderful? Maybe. Microsoft is great? Maybe. Yet, they're not good for a country like India. Their prices are too high and their licensing too restrictive. Alternatives like Free Software is what we need
Manas Laha, Kharagpur, India

I remember the very early days of personal computing, the days of total anarchy. Along came Windows and with it some form of sanity. Because of this even though Microsoft may have a few problems I will not criticize.
R. B. Frick, Longview Tx USA

Is there a viable alternative to Windows? You betcha! Mike Bell, Bath, UK

I write this in my (free) Konqueror browser running on (free) Suse Linux. Is there a viable alternative to Windows? You betcha! It isn't that Microsoft software is bad, but it's the way they attempt to lock you into their monopoly at every turn that worries people.
Mike Bell, Bath, UK

If Microsoft is going to have this kind of monopoly over computer products, I would like them forced to share more of their code. Their systems are only set up to cover options they have thought of. As a disabled person, I would like far more layout and configuration options to make my system do what I want - without it tripping up the operating system and bringing everything to a halt. With Linux I have a full set of options to configure my computer exactly how I want.
Clara, Edinburgh, Scotland

For those who don't like Microsoft, I say: Go invent something better. There is nothing preventing others from developing and inventing. Typically, people simply like to hate those who have had success. Bill Gates deserves everything he has, in my opinion. He's brilliant and he's generous. The perfect example of what a billionaire should be.
Suz, St.Louis, USA

Microsoft Windows is the biggest single unifying factor in the technological world today Franklin, Chichester

Microsoft Windows is the biggest single unifying factor in the technological world today. Imagine the complexities and disadvantages countries would have faced if Microsoft's PC revolution had not quickly covered the globe, with painstaking attention and support for all languages and cultural idiosyncrasies. The others exist and thrive because Microsoft made the world a PC Market. A vision IBM did not have.
Franklin, Chichester, UK

Fantastic marketing of a lousy product. Having suffered with Microsoft Windows for close to 15 years now, I find it amazing how well the company has done considering its product base. The future for Microsoft depends where companies which innovate are going.
Mark, Sale, Cheshire

An incredible success story. Microsoft bought PCs to everyone's home. Unfortunately, their days must be numbered now. As with most mega-corporations, they just aren't agile enough to keep up with the market. They face being the producer of a commodity product for a while, as has happened to Cisco and IBM. There is no more innovation in re-releasing operating systems.
Matt, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (ex. UK)

Bill Gates is, at heart, a very decent man, just examine his altruism. His company however, in keeping with general global business ethics, is not.
Jennifer Hynes, Plymouth, UK

I echo many here when I say I care less for Microsoft the company than Bill Gates the man, whom I admire immensely. The King of the Nerds, wealthy from writing software and hard graft, and now spreading it around through his foundation.
Martin, Bangkok, Thailand

In my opinion, Microsoft is a company that has held back the progress of technology rather than advanced it - for all their efforts seem to be focussed on maintaining their monopoly and locking-in customers.
Nur Hussein, Penang, Malaysia

Microsoft will continue to dominate world computer trade Kenneth Ingle, Bielefeld, Germany

There seems little doubt that Microsoft will continue to dominate world computer trade until the Chinese or Japanese come up with a programme similar to Windows, but with a price fair to its real value. I still possess my original Windows 3.1 setup disks. That programme covered my needs, but I am unable to use the same, because no modern computer will accept it. The continuous changing of programmes and hardware are not always necessary and I would certainly welcome more competition!
Kenneth Ingle, Bielefeld, Germany

Congratulations Microsoft! This company will dominate software sales for many decades to come. In the history of civilisation, Bill Gates has done more for humanity than any other person.
Norman Day, UK

I don't hate Microsoft, but I then again I haven't used their products for several years now. For those who like Windows, that's fine - it does exactly what they want. On the other hand, I'll stick to Free Software.
James, Southampton, UK

I'm an Apple girl myself, and while Microsoft is a great power in the industry, it is not a pioneer. That being said, I actually quite like Bill Gates and believe his philanthropical activities are the standard to which every mega-millionaire should strive. Keep up (that) good work!
Kari, California, USA

They're the company everyone loves to hate Dave, Swindon, UK

Microsoft will always adapt and buy into other areas to keep themselves at the top. They're the company everyone loves to hate. I have nothing but respect for Bill's charity donations. It's a shame others with such wealth do not do the same.
Dave, Swindon, UK

I think in the next 30 years Microsoft will be lucky to have 50% of computer trade, I'm sure someone will come up with an alternative as someone always does. It's like boxing the champ always gets beat eventually.
K McVann, a Brit now in USA

Microsoft is a formidable commercial force in the market they serve and for that success, good luck to them. That said, the flaws in their products and outmoded licensing practices cost businesses dearly. There are alternatives; we just need a new generation of IT professionals who can see them.
Andy, UK

Microsoft are the greatest company in the world and managed by a genius.
Bill, Seattle

I have to congratulate Microsoft in helping to revolutionise computing and making it more accessible to the masses. However, I would be happier if they spent a bit more time on quality than they currently do rather than trying to squeeze out every cent of profit. I for one have converted to Apple as I find their software much more robust and more secure.
Clare, Scotland

Microsoft is such a monolith that it cannot implement change quickly enough. Facilities promised in its Vista operating system (a year away) are available now in Apple Tiger 10.4. I moved to Apple some months ago and am very impressed. Even Word for the Mac is a better product.
Chris Gough, London, UK

Bill Gates certainly seems to be taking his social responsibilities seriously with his Foundation Tom, Guernsey

I'm sure they haven't always been as clean as we'd have liked in terms of business practices and the like, but no one can take their success away from them, and Bill Gates certainly seems to be taking his social responsibilities seriously with his Foundation. I say well done and here's to the future.
Tom, Guernsey

Right now, I don't have a particularly high opinion of Microsoft. The company I work for is a large bank, having work on a costly project to eradicate NT4.0 from the infrastructure. While I agree Microsoft cannot support an outdated system forever and the bank is accountable for relying on the system, it's Microsoft's monopoly over the market which means there is no alternative but to pay up Microsoft tax, or be left with an supported system. The popular view of them being money grabbers is justified.
Jonathan, Brighton, UK

A lot of people seem to hate Microsoft, but ask them why and they have no real answer. Microsoft has changed the world for the better and made a fortune in the process. What's wrong with that?
Andy, Manchester, England

I'm saying they write the best software, it's just that they write the best software out of the current to companies. If they only use their weight more to make the industry do something solid about online fraud and spam. Oh and keep releasing new OS's - I make my living out of deploying them.
Robert Bahrani, London, UK

Although Windows has its issues, it has made our lives much easier.
Dave, Reading, Berkshire

A variety of operating systems would be desirable Steve Brown, Sutton-in-Ashfield

Microsoft brought computers into ordinary people's homes whereas Apple and Riscos, etc didn't. They aimed at niche markets. However, with 90% of computers running Windows XP, this could cause serious security problems for the future, with organised criminal gangs infiltrating, via the internet, important Windows networks. A variety of operating systems would be desirable.
Steve Brown, Sutton-in-Ashfield

Microsoft would eventually be overtaken by its rival as the world and people's priorities change time to time.
Sridhar, Glasgow

Microsoft is quite frankly a wonder of the modern age. They have a massive hold on the market because they are the best at what they do. EU interference and vindictiveness of late is just sour grapes and yet again shows their protectionist agenda. This is a free market global economy - no restrictions should be placed on those that have achieved great things - and promise more wonders in the future.
Ian , Whitwick, England

Hopefully the beginning of the end for Microsoft. A monolith like Microsoft was maybe needed to get the home PC market off the ground but it's now too dominant, and is restricting competition, innovation and diversity. Windows and Internet Explorer have had their day, time for new companies with new approaches.
Matt Munro, Bristol, UK

Bill Gates' Microsoft represents what is good about America and capitalism - and I say this as a committed socialist. I have nothing but admiration for the man, especially because of his philanthropy.
UE, UK/Nigeria

Any control of any market was hard-earned by a company who started out as the under-dog Tom Franklin, London, UK

Congratulations Microsoft. Any control of any market was hard-earned by a company who started out as the under-dog. Nobody gave them any favours, they had to innovate and compete on the open market. And they won. Such is the beauty of capitalism. I'm an Apple user, I don't touch Microsoft products now with a bargepole, but as a business they are the greatest success story.
Tom Franklin, London, UK

Microsoft has changed the world. At this point, the fact that they have such a large percentage of the market is a good thing. It has also guaranteed that English will be the language of the world for many generations to come.
Steph, Decatur, Georgia USA