 On Friday, the AFP reported on what will be legendary Bill Gates’ final Friday spent in the Microsoft world. After more than thirty with the behemoth software company he helped build with Paul Allen, Gates is focusing the majority of his business life on more altruistic ventures. The recipient of his resources and efforts will be the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a charitable organization Gates developed with his wife eight years ago. Among other things, the married-team funds research on preventable and treatable diseases in order to develop “vaccines, drugs, and other tools to fight diseases common in developing countries.” Gates leaves the Redmond, Washington-based business in less-than-ideal conditions, facing heat from continuous competitors Google (in the search industry) and Apple (in the software industry). Apparently, Gates’ role in the company was so significant, it will take a team of three chief employees to “fill the void” and managerial responsibilities he once did. Ray Ozzie will be Microsoft’s new chief software architect, Craig Mundie will be the new chief research and strategy officer duties, and Steve Ballmer will assume the title of chief executive officer. Still, AFP commented that Gates will stay on as chairman to the Microsoft board of directors, as well as the company’s principal investor. Likewise, “Gates is expected to maintain the ears of Microsoft leaders.” A gala dinner will be hosted tonight to commemorate Mr. Gates and his many contributions to the software industry. |
Subscribe to our Blog
