Final answer:
Microsoft is a corporation, which is a type of business ownership characterized by separate legal entity, shareholders, and stock exchange listing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microsoft is a corporation, which is a type of business ownership. A corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners, and it has the ability to enter into contracts, own property, and be sued. Unlike a sole proprietorship or a partnership, a corporation has shareholders who own shares of stock in the company.
As a publicly traded company, Microsoft's shares are listed on the stock exchange, allowing individuals and institutions to buy and sell shares of the company.
Corporations have several advantages, including limited liability for their owners, the ability to raise funds through issuing stocks and bonds, and the potential for growth and expansion.