The Hindu Business Line : Bill Gates to step down in 2008

To relinquish the day-to-day operations of a multi-billion empire, delegate and move on to other tasks/interests that are close to your heart and mind is not an easy decision to make.

Mr Gates' decision is laudable. I am sure that his full-time attention to philanthropy will improve the lives of millions.

S. Krithivasan, email

Microsoft's Bill Gates has decided to step down in 2008. He is to leave Microsoft and focus on charity. He has shaped and defined the IT age more than anyone else. He will, however, remain Chairman; he has given two years time for his successors to have the required training.

One hopes his talents give new direction to charity, especially in tackling killer diseases such as AIDS/HIV and cancer. He is a model to the rich as well as to the common man.

A. Jacob Sahayam, Thiruvananthapuram

Mr Gates has announced that he will disengage from the day-to-day running of the company by 2008. For competitors, it was a moment of celebration. For analysts and stockbrokers, it was time to monitor, scrutinise and ask questions.

Though Microsoft has identified the next tier of leaders, the exit of Mr Robert Scobel from the fold, the Internet, rapid adoption of fast broadband connection, and growth of the blogging phenomenon have not only changed rules of the game but also made it easier for small firms to put out innovative new software. Added to these troubles, are the poor launch of Windows Vista, and Microsoft's slow speed in seizing opportunities.

Mr Gates ploughed a large part of his personal fortune, into creating the Bill Gates Melinda Foundation. Mr Gates was not content with just throwing huge sums of money but brought the same hands-on and entrepreneurial approach that built Microsoft to his charities

T. S. Sundareswaran, New Delhi

Responses to Sticklish Issues dated June 12

It is a fact that crude oil prices have been going up and India, which is largely import-dependent, cannot but increase the prices of petrol and diesel.

But the inevitable price rise has always become a big political issue, though all the political parties are aware that in India the prices are subsidised to a large extent.

What needs to be done: A non-political regulatory authority should be set up to take care of pricing related issues. Increase, either in prices of petro-products or subsidy element thereon, has economic ramifications.

A long-term political consensus needs to be evolved. The oil marketing companies also cannot be allowed to bleed indefinitely.

Ways to effectively conserve petroleum resources and consumption is the need of the hour.

S. Krithivasan, e-mail

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