Tech Shout!

Chairman of Microsoft Bill Gates let out a stunner on Thursday, June 15 saying he will give up day-to-day responsibilities at Microsoft in July of 2008. Over the next two years, Gates will hand over his full-time duties to a couple of lieutenants and prepare for life as a professional humanitarian. Microsoft revealed the two-year transition process during a press conference today. Gates currently serves as Chairman and Chief Software Architect of the company he co-founded. While remaining Chairman, the rich one, however, now plans to play a more active role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Ray Ozzie - one of the masterminds behind Microsoft’s infamous “More Meetings Papers” - has already taken over the Chief Software Architect title. Chief Technical Officer Craig Mundie has become the chief research and strategy officer and will hold hands with Gates during the transition.

“Our business and technical leadership has never been stronger, and Microsoft is well-positioned for success in the years ahead. I feel very fortunate to have such great technical leaders like Ray and Craig at the company,”Gates said. “I remain fully committed and full time at Microsoft through June 2008 and will be working side by side with Ray and Craig to ensure that a smooth transition occurs.”

“I will shift to work full-time at the foundation and part-time at Microsoft as Chairman and as a senior technical advisor,” Gates said, during the press conference. “With the success of Microsoft, I have been given the gift of great wealth. I believe that with that great wealth comes great responsibility.”

Gates noted that he expects to remain Chairman for the rest of his life and to remain the largest shareholder in Microsoft.