Microsoft Corporation

While Microsoft Corporation is globally known for Windows and Office, the company has quietly built a significant presence in DNS infrastructure through Azure DNS and operates one of the most exclusive domain ecosystems in the industry. As the registry operator for the .microsoft top-level domain, Microsoft controls an entire TLD namespace exclusively for its own products and services — a level of domain control that few companies achieve.

Microsoft's domain-related services center around two main areas: enterprise DNS management through Azure DNS and their proprietary .microsoft TLD ecosystem. Through Azure DNS, organizations can manage DNS zones and records as part of Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, integrating domain configuration directly with other Azure services. This isn't just basic DNS hosting — it's enterprise-grade DNS management that scales with cloud deployments and integrates with Microsoft's broader identity and security frameworks.

What sets Microsoft apart in the domain space is their brand TLD strategy. The .microsoft domain extension, introduced in 2015, allows Microsoft to create memorable, secure URLs like azure.microsoft and office.microsoft. This isn't just marketing — it's a security play. Microsoft explicitly states that any website ending with cloud.microsoft is guaranteed to be an official Microsoft product or service, providing users with built-in protection against spoofing and phishing attacks.

Microsoft has also built domain-related infrastructure into their business services. The Microsoft Marketplace serves as a digital storefront where organizations can discover, purchase, and deploy thousands of partner solutions. While this marketplace spans far beyond domains, it demonstrates Microsoft's understanding of how businesses need to efficiently procure and manage technology services — including domain and DNS solutions.

Through Microsoft 365, the company provides domain configuration tools that streamline how organizations set up custom domains for email and collaboration. The platform supports Domain Connect integration with registrars like GoDaddy, Cloudflare, and WordPress.com, allowing automated DNS setup rather than manual record configuration. It's the kind of enterprise-focused domain management that reflects Microsoft's understanding of IT operations at scale.

Today, Microsoft manages DNS infrastructure for millions of organizations while maintaining exclusive control over the .microsoft namespace. Their approach to domains reflects their broader enterprise philosophy — providing secure, integrated solutions that work seamlessly within existing IT environments rather than standalone domain tools.