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The end of the Gates era
Since its inception, Microsoft has been practically synonymous with co-founder Bill Gates. That's about to change, albeit slowly, as the software maven and the world's richest man looks to 2008 as the end of his day-to-day involvement with the company.
Gates to bow out at Microsoft
High Impact
Co-founder sets 2008 date for transition out of day-to-day role at the software giant; plans to focus on charity work.
June 15, 2006
Ozzie, Mundie pick up tech mantle at Microsoft
newsmaker Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie have some big shoes to fill. The two execs talk to CNET News.com about how they plan to take over for Gates.
June 16, 2006
Forrester: Gates' planned exit changes everything
commentary Forrester Research analysts say Microsoft's new leadership must quickly find a way to prevent the legacy weight of Windows and Office dragging down the fledgling Live platform.
June 16, 2006
Gates: Wouldn't change a thing
newsmaker The Microsoft chairman and founder looks forward to spending more time helping those who could most benefit from his time and assistance.
June 15, 2006
Why Microsoft won't miss Gates
perspective It's still too soon to write the final chapter, but CNET News.com's Charles Cooper says the record is a mixed one.
June 15, 2006
Is Ray Ozzie up to the task?
The Lotus Notes inventor and driving force behind Microsoft's online services strategy has some big shoes to fill.June 15, 2006
Say what? A look back at Gates' pearls of wisdom
The list of "Gates-isms" is legendary within the tech industry. Here's a sampling of his most well-known quips.
June 15, 2006
Most in industry letting Gates go quietly
News that Microsoft's chair plans to step down from a day-to-day role caused barely a ripple in the tech world.
June 15, 2006
The foundation that Bill Gates built
Organization that will get Microsoft chair's full attention stresses global health, education, libraries and the Pacific Northwest.
June 15, 2006
Microsoft's mixed scorecard
The software giant still dominates the desktop, but finding new markets has proven tricky.
June 15, 2006
Gates: Capitalist hero or monopolist villain?
As word spreads that he's stepping away from Microsoft, Bill Gates, as usual, elicits extreme reactions on blogs and message boards.
June 15, 2006
Gates', Ballmer's e-mails to employees
In e-mails to Microsoft employees, Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer shared some of their thoughts on the leadership changes.
June 15, 2006
A Gates time line
A look at the pivotal moments in the life of Microsoft's Bill Gates, one of the world's richest and most famous/infamous men.
June 15, 2006
Previous Microsoft coverage
Piecing together Windows Vista
special coverage Aiming to re-create the excitement of Windows 95, Microsoft is trying to turn Vista into its next big win.June 12, 2006
Gates: Microsoft will keep Google honest
He concedes mistakes, but Bill Gates promises that Redmond's investments will enable it to catch its rival.May 3, 2006
Catching up with the Gateses
Papa Bill says the kids are busily pursuing their current interests via Internet research--thanks to MSN's search tool, of course.March 27, 2006
Bill Gates is no match for the Teflon president
blog In an "American Idol" style poll, TV viewers and AOL users rank the uber-Microsoftie among the 100 greatest Americans.June 28, 2005
The reaction in Redmond
What happens to Microsoft post-Gates? CNET News.com's Charlie Cooper speaks with reporter Ina Fried, who was on the ground at Microsoft's headquarters to speak with Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.
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Microsoft announces the news
At a Thursday press conference, Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates announce that Gates will gradually step down.
A Bill Gates retrospective
Through the years, Microsoft's leader has hobnobbed with everyone from the Queen to Bono--and the Albuquerque police.
