Knowledge@wharton

Ray Ozzie is in. Bill Gates is heading out (but not entirely). And Steve Ballmer is staying right where he is (at least for now). What does this game of musical chairs among the members of Microsoft’s high command portend for the world’s biggest software company? Far from being a source of confusion and uncertainty Gates’ recently announced decision that he will relinquish his full-time day-to-day involvement in the company in July 2008 may be just the breath of fresh air needed for a firm facing major challenges to its core business according to Wharton experts. At the same time it’s not yet clear just how successful Gates will be in removing himself from a company that has been his life for three decades. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.