Bill Gates bids a teary farewell to Microsoft

Bill Gates said a teary goodbye on Friday to Microsoft Corp, the software maker he built into the world's most valuable technology company based on the ambitious goal of placing a computer on every desk and in every home.

He leaves Microsoft, which he co-founded with childhood friend Paul Allen in 1975, to focus on his philanthropic organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world's largest charity, funded in part by his vast fortune.

Bill Gates gave up his CEO position to Steve Ballmer in 2000. Now, Gates relinquishes his title of Chief Software Architect, but will continue to be involved in the company's operations on a daily basis until July 2008. He will then stay on as Chairman of the Board and an advisor on "key development projects" after the transition is complete. Taking over the role of Chief Software Architect is Ray Ozzie.

Bill Gates bids a teary farewell to Microsoft
http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKN2630130120080627

Biography of Bill Gates
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/billg/default.aspx?tab=biography