Gates turns over reins of his empire.
Published:
28 January 2000 y., Friday
In a surprise announcement, Bill Gates said Thursday that he will step down as Microsoft chief executive and hand over the reins to longtime friend and company president Steve Ballmer. Gates, 44, said he will remain as chairman and fill a new post created for himself: chief software architect. He also said in a statement that Ballmer will become a member of the Microsoft board of directors Jan. 27.
Although Gates_ decision to hand the CEO duties to Ballmer had long been anticipated, the timing of the announcement was not expected. Gates waited until after the completion of Windows 2000, which will ship next month, before making the change. The changing of the guard is taking place at a tumultuous time for Microsoft. Just Wednesday, news leaked that the Department of Justice is proposing a breakup of Microsoft to help resolve the antitrust case pending against the company. Those who know Gates say it would be a mistake to assume that he is abandoning the company he founded in its time of need, believing that he will continue working behind the scenes to thwart his antagonists. At the very least, however, the end of his tenure as chief executive is of much symbolic value to those who have witnessed the astounding ascent of Microsoft and technology in general.
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
Software company announced new structure_ of it_s business.
more »
With the SQL Slammer virus, more than 500,000 servers worldwide were infected, there was a general slowdown all over the Internet
more »
Organization takes first step toward giving individuals a voice in how the Internet is run
more »
Many tough decisions deferred for 2 years
more »
Lindows.com ordered to drop Lindows name
more »
PayPal wants a slice of the online music pie
more »
search.lt presents newest links
more »
The future is burning bright for the ICT manufacturing and services across the European Union as the continent enjoys a "broadband revolution" and takes up global leadership in the mobile sector
more »
The Swedish government tabled a draft law that would allow it to to crack down on people who flood email inboxes with unwanted advertisements, so-called spam.
more »
search.lt presents newest links
more »