Rare Microsoft Buisness Card from 1979 fetches $11,000 at Auction
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A business card from Microsoft’s early days, dating back to January 1979, recently sold for $11,000 at auction through Lelands, a leading sports memorabilia and collectibles auction house. Teh card represents a pivotal moment in the company’s history,shortly after its founding and relocation to Bellevue,Washington. The meaning of the card lies in its connection to the licensing agreement with IBM for MS-DOS, which propelled Microsoft to industry dominance.
The MS-DOS Agreement: A Turning Point
The business card originates from a period instantly following Microsoft’s landmark agreement with IBM to provide the operating system for IBM’s new personal computer. As Lelands notes in its auction description, this agreement – centered around MS-DOS – “made Microsoft a giant, and it changed history.” https://www.lelands.com/bid-details/microsoft-business-card-from-1979 Rather than selling the operating system outright, Microsoft retained ownership of MS-DOS and licensed it to IBM, a strategic decision that laid the foundation for its future success.
Microsoft’s Early Years in Bellevue, Washington
Founded in 1975 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft relocated to Bellevue, Washington, in January 1979. The company’s initial office was located on the eighth floor of the Old Bank Building, now part of the Plaza Buildings in Bellevue’s business district. [https://www.bellevuedowntown.com/go/plaza-buildings] This location served as the hub for the company’s rapid growth in the early 1980s.
A Glimpse into the Past: The 206 Area Code
the business card features a phone number with a 206 area code, which at the time served the Seattle metropolitan area. In 1997, the 206 area code was split to accommodate the burgeoning Eastside tech corridor, creating the 425 area code for cities like Bellevue and Redmond. https://www.area-codes.com/425-area-code.html The presence of the 206 area code on the card provides a tangible link to a specific time and place in Microsoft’s history.
Microsoft at 50: A Legacy of innovation
As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, artifacts like this business card offer a fascinating glimpse into the company’s humble beginnings. From a small startup in Albuquerque to a global technology leader, Microsoft’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and strategic decision-making.
Key Takeaways:
A 1979 Microsoft business card sold for $11,000 at auction.
The card dates from the period immediately following Microsoft’s pivotal MS-DOS licensing agreement with IBM.
Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington, in January 1979, establishing its first office in the Old Bank Building (now Plaza Buildings).
The card’s 206 area code reflects the pre-1997 Seattle-area code configuration.
* This artifact provides a tangible connection to Microsoft’s early history and its remarkable growth.