Bill Gates logged off Microsoft finally. Its a inflection period for Microsoft and Bill G has been unable to steer his company anywhere near Google or show real leadership in the Web 2.0 world. For a man who has lead Microsoft through several controversial periods, its perhaps time to retire. But Microsoft is on shaky grounds as he logs off.
Bill Gates's role will be covered by 2 people: Craig Mundi and Ray Ozzie who are "Chief Officers" along with Ballmer (with others). Though these guys have significant achievements, none of these individuals have been a part of a significant Web revolution.
Microsoft's official statement:
Microsoft Corp. today announced that effective July 2008 Bill Gates, chairman, will transition out of a day-to-day role in the company to spend more time on his global health and education work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The company announced a two-year transition process to ensure that there is a smooth and orderly transfer of Gates’ daily responsibilities, and said that after July 2008 Gates would continue to serve as the company’s chairman and an advisor on key development projects.
The company announced that Chief Technical Officer Ray Ozzie will immediately assume the title of chief software architect and begin working side by side with Gates on all technical architecture and product oversight responsibilities, to ensure a smooth transition. Similarly, Chief Technical Officer Craig Mundie will immediately take the new title of chief research and strategy officer and will work closely with Gates to assume his responsibility for the company’s research and incubation efforts; Mundie also will partner with general counsel Brad Smith to guide Microsoft’s intellectual property and technology policy efforts.
“Our business and technical leadership has never been stronger, and Microsoft is well-positioned for success in the years ahead. I feel very fortunate to have such great technical leaders like Ray and Craig at the company,” Gates said. “I remain fully committed and full time at Microsoft through June 2008 and will be working side by side with Ray and Craig to ensure that a smooth transition occurs.”
