MicroStrategy
Overview
MicroStrategy is a publicly traded company that provides business intelligence (BI), mobile software, and cloud-based services. Founded in 1989 by Michael J. Saylor, Sanju Bansal, and Thomas Spahr, the company is known for developing software that enables organizations to analyze internal and external data in order to make business decisions and develop mobile apps.
History
MicroStrategy was founded in 1989 by Michael J. Saylor, Sanju Bansal, and Thomas Spahr. The company initially specialized in consulting for large companies, helping them to harness the power of their data. In 1992, MicroStrategy shifted its focus to software development, releasing its first product, MicroStrategy DSS Agent. This product was one of the first comprehensive Business Intelligence platforms, allowing users to query databases and generate reports.
In 1998, MicroStrategy went public, trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol MSTR. The company experienced significant growth in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with its stock price reaching a high of $3,333 per share in March 2000. However, in the wake of the dot-com bubble burst, the company's stock price fell significantly.
Despite these challenges, MicroStrategy continued to innovate and expand its product offerings. In 2003, the company released MicroStrategy 7i, a platform that integrated reporting, analysis, and monitoring capabilities. This was followed by the release of MicroStrategy 8 in 2005, which expanded the platform's capabilities to include data mining and predictive analytics.
In recent years, MicroStrategy has continued to evolve, focusing on mobile and cloud-based solutions. In 2010, the company launched MicroStrategy Mobile, a platform that allows organizations to build custom mobile apps without writing code. In 2012, MicroStrategy introduced its cloud-based service, enabling companies to deploy MicroStrategy BI apps and services in the cloud.
Products and Services
MicroStrategy's product line is centered around business intelligence, mobile software, and cloud-based services. The company's flagship product, MicroStrategy 10, allows organizations to analyze vast amounts of data and distribute actionable insights throughout an enterprise via reports, dashboards, and mobile apps.
MicroStrategy Mobile, launched in 2010, enables organizations to develop mobile apps that deliver business intelligence, transaction capabilities, and multimedia content. The platform supports both iOS and Android devices.
MicroStrategy's cloud-based services, introduced in 2012, provide a complete platform for analytics, mobility, and security in the cloud. This service allows organizations to deploy MicroStrategy BI apps and services without the need for on-premises infrastructure.
Financial Performance
As a publicly traded company, MicroStrategy's financial performance is closely watched by investors and analysts. The company's revenue has grown steadily over the years, driven by strong demand for its business intelligence, mobile software, and cloud-based services.
Criticisms and Controversies
Like many technology companies, MicroStrategy has faced its share of criticisms and controversies. In 2000, the company was subject to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation regarding its accounting practices. The company settled the charges without admitting or denying the allegations.