Gates to close on Microsoft

Bill Gates has announced plans to leave the day to day running of Microsoft, to concentrate on charity work.

It comes at a time when Microsoft is under increasing pressure over the delayed release of its Windows Vista operating system.

While analysts are not too surprised by the announcement, it does raise the question as to what level of input Gates will have on the company he’s run for more than 20 years - and which of his staff will eventually take full control of the company.

It would also remain to be seen how this may change the overall strategy Microsoft applies to the internet.

At present the company has a market value of over $225 billion, but has made few successful assaults on capturing internet market-share.