Friday, June 27, 2008

Seattle (AP) - One of the richest men in the world is getting a
new job.

Bill Gates today ends his tenure as ultimate boss of Microsoft
to devote full time to his huge charitable foundation. Instead of
working to solve problems in the information technology business,
he'll be working to solve the world's health problems.

Since Microsoft's start in 1975, Gates has piled nearly all its
hats on his head: genius programmer, technology guru, primary
decision maker and ruthless leader. Analysts and scholars credit
him with changing software into a money-making enterprise, rather
than a pastime for hobbyists.

For Microsoft, the challenge come Monday morning will be how to
deal with problems even Gates couldn't solve, including competition
with Google.

Recent remarks indicate the company won't even try to find a
replacement for Gates but will divide his functions among whole
groups of employees.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.