In the future, more companies will bypass Windows, relying on simpler computers to tie in to big, centralized servers where most of the software actually runs. The world is changing around Microsoft. Ballmer's increased presence will be felt elsewhere in the company, although Gates will retain much power, Davis speculated. Internally, it's going to be Steve Ballmer cracking the whips around the halls of Redmond, but in terms of an icon to associate with Microsoft, that's still going to be Bill Gates for the foreseeable future. Some also speculated that stepping down as CEO will help defuse some personality conflicts and other tensions in the pending Department of Justice antitrust case.
Many people think that the barrier to a breakup is more personal than financial.
Ballmer dismissed such suggestions today, scowling at the notion that the change in leadership comes to accommodate the court. Another key battleground will be in homes. AOL, which this week announced plans to acquire Time Warner, is racing furiously to develop interactive TV applications and content. Microsoft has been pushing TV-Internet technology for years through its WebTV subsidiary. Although well known, WebTV has only recently passed the 1 million mark in subscriptions.