Microsoft – Gates = (What) ?
Bill Gates is supposed to leave Microsoft officially next week. Everywhere on the Internet, there are pieces doing the rounds imagining Microsoft without Bill Gates. Bill has been the principle force behind Microsoft. He had an active role to play in all the decisions in the company. He knew about all the technologies being developed at Microsoft. At heart, Gates was always a hacker. Though Ray Ozzie, Microsoft’s new Chief Software Architect (for some time now), is an excellent engineer (Live Mesh is his baby), it’s hard to replicate Bill.
And no, Steve Ballmer is no patch on the legendary entrepreneur. Bill had many times more intellect and vision that Ballmer. And still does. But Ozzie is a worthy successor. At least, as a Chief Software Architect.
Steve Ballmer puts it correctly
“He founded the company, he’s accumulated this wealth, he’s got this foundation, he’s got this fame. That’s irreplaceable. Also, Bill grew up with every one of the technologies in this company. He’s got more capacity to remember things than anybody I’ve ever known. It’s unlikely we’ll have anybody again who has that breadth.”
For many years now, Gates has been contributing towards the philanthropic causes through the Gates foundation that he formed with this wife. Now, he will be spending more time with Gates foundation. A few believe that Gates is going nowhere and Microsoft’s day-to-day operations will still be under Gates vision. I, however, doubt it. The system that Gates has created is quite robust now and can be run smoothly without Gates.
Microsoft is no longer just an Operating System company. There are other initiatives going in the company, too. And a lot is to come from. From what I have heard, there is a new blood in Microsoft, and it’s in stark contrast with the old Apple-bashing lot. The new people are open to new ideas and more interesting domains for Microsoft to operate in. The good thing with Bill Gates was that he was receptive of new ideas. If there are a lot of new projects going on in Microsoft’s R&D labs, it’s primarily ‘coz of Gates’ vision.
I am sure Gates will remain attached with the developments in the company on some level. It will be hard for him (and for Microsoft) to let each other go. I just hope the new leadership that emerges at Microsoft is as dynamic as Gates himself
As Steve Ballmer himself said
“He’s not just Bill Gates, he’s the Bill Gates”
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