Microsoft's CEO has a reputation for toughness and an aversion to failure, and runs one of the largest technology companies in the world. These elements would serve him well in Washington, but he's not as strong a technologist as Bill Gates. His appointment would undoubtedly be protested by open-source advocates and competitors, who would fear Windows and other Microsoft products being given preference in federal technology contracts and policy decisions.

Sonal Shah

Shah is one of the few rumored contenders to have actually worked in government. She currently heads global development initiatives at Google, but prior to that worked at Goldman Sachs, the Center for American Progress, and the U.S. Treasury Department. She's also on the CTO search.

Donald Gips

is the vice president of corporate strategy and development for Level 3 Communications, and served Al Gore. Although Gips didn't help the former vice president , he was Gore's chief domestic policy advisor and has a deep understanding of technology and communication policies. He too is advising Obama's transition team.