Bill Gates to Step Down from Microsoft

And I thought Scoble leaving was big news. That was until Microsoft announced plans for a July 2008 Transition for Bill Gates. From the press release:
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.
This will certainly begin to usher in a new era for Microsoft. One they sorely need at this point. Ozzie has a different outlook on things than others in the past have and I think with his promotion we'll see an even bigger focus on services. Bill really stepped down at an opportune time. The stock is sagging, the Vista debacle is raging, competition is heating up. You have to give him credit for putting in the time that he does for as long as he has. He seems to be taking the path of the barons of yesteryear who in increasing years turned into benefactors of humanity in order to ensure their legacy. This brings up one thing that I don't often see talked about though. The Gates foundation really does do more good things than they get credit for. You may not agree with how Bill got his money, but what the Gates foundation does is extremely commendable and should be applauded. I think I speak on behalf of everyone in wishing Mr. Gates the best in his future endeavors.
–jeremy
Microsoft, MSFT, Bill Gates