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Gates to Step Down at Microsoft

With the announcement that he would be effectively retiring from heading Microsoft in 2008, Bill Gates has sent the computing world into a tizzy. Of course, for those who have Macs, this news probably doesn?t mean all that much. But for those who work for Microsoft, who use Microsoft technology, and who are interested to see who exactly succeeds Mr. Gates, the time is now for rampant speculation. Mr. Gates, while not disappearing from the Microsoft seen yet or totally even once he leaves the helm, will focus on his charitable work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Will the successor be Steve Ballmer, known as an effective leader at Microsoft? There are questions surrounding whether or not Mr. Ballmer is fit for anointment by Bill Gates, but for the most part Gates?s departure is being seen as opening up for Steve Ballmer an opportunity to prove himself in a real, true leadership position. Industry observers are split over who will succeed the billionaire founder of Microsoft, who dropped out of college decades ago to create a company that now largely defines and makes possible the world we live in today.

There are some months to go before Mr. Gates steps down, and they are likely to be months filled with more questions than answers. First came the news that the latest Windows incarnation was facing a release delay, and now this. While it doesn?t appear that Microsoft is in any sort of danger, investors would probably like to be reassured, and as soon as possible, that the Microsoft empire is left in as secure and steady hands as are possible to place it in.