Bill Gates, whose name has been synonymous with Microsoft for the past 25 years, handed over the chief executive reins Thursday to Steve Ballmer, his long-time business partner and the man who's been acting president for 1 1/2 years. Ballmer becomes CEO and president, while Gates becomes chairman of the board and chief software architect -- effective immediately. ZDNet UK News brings you the facts, and what the news means for business and consumers. Ballmer bio: 'Mr engulf and devour' - Fri, 14th Jan
Microsoft's newly crowned CEO has earned a reputation for his 'gruff' management style Wall Street takes Gates news in stride - Fri, 14th Jan
Having Ballmer as Microsoft CEO likely won't change much about the way Microsoft does business Gates reaction: What everyone is saying - Fri, 14th Jan
No one is short of opinions when it comes to tech mogul Bill Gates. Not even President Bill Clinton Bill Gates steps down as Microsoft CEO - Fri, 14th Jan
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates steps down as CEO to take chief software architect role. Steve Ballmer to take over US consumers and IT workers oppose MS breakup - Thu, 13th Jan
Don't break Microsoft up - Report Microsoft on the chopping block? - Thu, 13th Jan
The DoJ calls one report that it wants to break up Microsoft 'inaccurate,' but other reports confirm the news and say it wants MS split into three parts COMMENTARY Charles Cooper: Gates bows out but the beat goes on - Fri, 14th Jan
He was the greatest combination of technologist, business-entrepreneur and cold-blooded killer the computer industry has ever seen. And most likely will ever see Jesse Berst: Wake up and break up - Fri, 14th Jan
Microsoft can fuss around and whine, or take charge of its own destiny Martin Banks read the Runes and foresaw the breakup of Microsoft. Go to AnchorDesk to read more. Jane Wakefield on Gates, Case and musical chairs What do you think? Tell the Mailroom. And read what others have said.