I didn't start as a Mac fan -- in fact, I was Macworld's resident "anti-Mac" initially. But the idea that Jobs insisted on -- that products work and work well -- is obviously the way things should be. We use technology to get stuff done, not to use technology for its own sake. After his technology-for-its-own-sake beginnings with the Apple I and II and Lisa, Jobs began to understand that principle and fiercely enforce it. We all have benefited from that fierce dedication.

We owe Steve Jobs huge credit for that, and for remaking Apple so that principle will endure. It's not yet clear why he resigned, but he's had serious cancer for several years. If that's what caused him to step down, I can only wish him good health -- and say thanks,

in InfoWorld's The Industry Standard Channel.