Here are the reactions from a host of IT leaders about what the Gates announcement means to them and their companies:
Christopher Wanko, a lead systems analyst at pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough Corp. in Kenilworth, N.J., said his first thought after hearing that Gates plans to devote more time to philanthropy was "good for him. What else does he need to accomplish, personally, on this planet?
"Apart from what he does at Microsoft, he has personal wealth that could significantly change lives for the better in a new way. As a problem solver, he might even be thinking if he could achieve the same kinds of successes philanthropically as he has commercially. So in all, I think this is good news for him and good news for Microsoft."
As for Ozzie's role, Wanko called him "a terrific choice.... Ray Ozzie is an innovator, I'm eager to see what he can do." Wanko is also interested in what direction Microsoft takes under Ozzie's influence.
"The new directions coming from Microsoft are something I would eagerly anticipate. Operating systems are seeing innovations currently that we haven't seen in ten years or maybe more. The whole idea of open-source hypervisors running multiple virtual machines with differing OSes -- who could float that idea in 1995? Or dual-core 64-bit CPUs selling for under $300? Bill Gates is leaving at a time when the old school needs to become a hallowed memory, and new ideas and perspectives should come to fore."
Any changes aren't likely to have any impact on technology at Wanko's company anytime soon, he said. "Big pharma moves very slow. We'll see virtual machines in production in two years, but not now. We certainly won't see Vista until Bill Gates hangs up his keyboard. We might see SQL Server 2005 in some applications, but pharma is largely an Oracle vertical."
Ann M. Harten, vice president of global information systems for Holland, Mich.-based office furniture and architectural interior supplier Haworth Inc., said, "Bill has had a terrific run with wonderful innovation. A new perspective -- with Bill's ongoing guidance -- might be a refreshing approach." The move is "probably a good thing [for Microsoft], particularly if the focus and execution shifts to accurate and usable delivery."
Brian Young, vice president for IT at Omaha-based Creighton University, lauded Gates' plans. "I think it is good that Bill will focus his efforts with his foundation, helping address global issues that face our human existence," Young said. "His time spent with the foundation will be rewarding to many."
Young said that even after leaving Microsoft, "Bill will remain connected in many ways."
Adrian Brown, CIO at Greenville, S.C.-based Canal Insurance Co., said, "An era is ending. I am grateful that Gates stayed as long as he did. He could have cashed out years ago. What an impact one man has made."
Bryon Nichols, IT manager at GBD Architects Inc. in Portland, Ore., said the news was a shock. "Wow, I did not see that coming. I like his reason, though. It is a worthwhile effort."
But for Microsoft, the move may be a negative. "[It's] bad, because Bill Gates has always been seen as Mr. Microsoft."
Peter O'Kelly, an IT industry analyst with Midvale, Utah-based The Burton Group, sees the move as a good one. "[It's a] very logical and orderly succession plan ' and I think it's great that he's going to focus full-time on his foundation," O'Kelly said. "Ray Ozzie is uniquely qualified to take over as Microsoft's chief software architect, and I expect very little disruption during the transition period."
Rick Stuller, CIO at Hawaiian Electric Co. in Honolulu, said he doesn't expect any major changes in Microsoft's strategy after Gates leaves. "I would also hope that [CEO] Steve Ballmer plays an active role in how Microsoft's strategy is shaped, and he seems to be very much in sync with Mr. Gates. At the annual fall Gartner Symposium, I listened to Steve Ballmer, not Mr. Gates, and have thought Steve is leading Microsoft in a competitive manner and doing the right things....
"Microsoft has a lot of intellectual talent and creativity, and although Mr. Gates has been instrumental in some strategic directions, I would hazard a guess that he has product managers and leaders who share his vision and will continue to make sound decisions for Microsoft."