Since Microsoft's start in 1975, Gates has piled nearly all its hats on his head: genius programmer, technology guru, primary decision maker and ruthless leader. Analysts and scholars credit him with changing software into a money-making enterprise, rather than a pastime for hobbyists.
For Microsoft, the challenge come Monday morning will be how to deal with problems even Gates couldn't solve, including competition with Google.
Recent remarks indicate the company won't even try to find a replacement for Gates but will divide his functions among whole groups of employees.
