Beyond Redmond

Microsoft conducts research or development in many locations apart from its corporate headquarters in Redmond, WA. Although Microsoft often combines “research and development,” its research and development facilities are quite different in size and scope. Generally speaking, researchers at Microsoft Research do not work on any particular product; instead, they focus on solving problems and conducting pure computer science research. In contrast, employees in Microsoft’s development facilities work on well-defined products, or components or features that will find their way into products.

This chart does not include Microsoft’s worldwide field sales offices, its 12 Global Technical Support Centers (GTSCs), its regional operations facilities, nor Microsoft Licensing, a wholly owned subsidiary that handles OEM licensing and is based in Reno, NV (USA).

Facility and Location	Approx. # Employees on Site	Date Established	Major R&D Roles
Bay Area Research Center: San