Today, June 27, 2008, Microsoft is officially entering its post-Bill Gates era. Microsoft A.B. (after Bill) will be led by Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer; Ray Ozzie, Chief Software Architect and Craig Mundie, Chief Research and Strategy Officer. This morning, approximately 1,000 Microsoft employees were accompanying Gates on the start of his last day in his day-to-day role with the company he co-founded in Redmond. More are watching Bill on stage at the time of this article via webcast.

"I'm watching Bill's farewell live in one of the cafeterias. Bill is speaking right now and is talking about how the industry has evolved - I've heard this before but today is special because you realize that he was a big part of that and I may not get to hear him say these things again. I feel sad - he's such a legend and is also the reason I am here many time zones away from home," blogged Microsoft's Ivan Joseph in real time.

"Seeing the farewell to Bill Gates… Yes, I work for Microsoft and I am proud of it. To be very honest he was one of the reasons I joined this company. The people working here are my personal reason to stay…Microsoft - Change the world or go home!!! We just started…" promised Frank Fischer, the Manager for Technical Evangelism at Microsoft Germany.

Gates was introduced by Steve Ballmer and, with his wife Melinda and children also present, talked about what else but Microsoft. Referring to his transition out of Microsoft, he revealed that it is indeed difficult to embark on a new path after 30 years of commitment to the same vision. However, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the next chapter in Gates' life, now at the age of 52. Gates will continue to be a part of Microsoft, he will remain Chairman, but he will do so via a non-executive role.


Video: Bill Gates Last Day CES Clip