14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Co-founder and chairman Bill Gates continues to remain on top of the world. Gates is in fact on top of the world's first 400 wealthiest people. Without a doubt, 2007 has been a good year for Gates. Although he is in the process of transitioning out of his day-to-day role at Microsoft by mid 2008, Gates has managed to actively participate in the launching of both the company's new versions of the main cash cows. Windows Vista and the Office 2007 System went live for businesses in November 2006, while the consumers were able to get a hold of the company's flagship products as of the end of January 2007.
In the Windows Vista year, Gates continues to lead the international platoon of 400 billionaires compiled by Forbes Magazine. William Gates III added no less than $3 billion from March to September and is now worth an estimated $59 billion. While Vista received mixed reviews on its debut, with Microsoft pouring comprehensive efforts into building interoperability, compatibility and support, the company's shares rose 12% the past year, largely explaining Gates' additional $3 billion.
The initial dream of Microsoft's Chairman, namely a PC on every desk in every home, will reach an important milestone by mid 2008, a date coinciding with Gates' departure from his active role at Microsoft. CEO Steve Ballmer revealed recently that according to the latest estimates, by the summer of next year, Windows will have an install base of over 1 billion users.
Also by the summer of 2008, Gates will start focusing exclusively on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates' current position at Microsoft will be filled by Craig Mundie, Chief Research and Strategy Officer and Ray Ozzie, Chief Software Architect.
There is also the possibility that Mexican Carlos Slim Hel￭ will rain on Gates' "retirement" parade next year. The Mexican Telecom mogul is also worth no less than $59 million at this point and could dethrone Gates as the world's wealthiest man.
One aspect that has to be mentioned in connection to the constant face-off between Microsoft and Google is the rapid growth of Sergey Brin and Larry Page in the Forbes top of billionaires. Google's co-founders first debuted into the top back in 2004 with $4 billion each. Now Brin and Page share the number 5 position with no less than 18.5 billion.