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Friday, June 27, 2008, is truly the end of an era. The founder of the software industry’s most successful left after 33 years.

Bill Gates is iconic, and despite all the press coverage that constantly surrounds it, enigmatic. It is probably a certifiable genius, but certainly showed from the outset when he was a wunderkind programming. It is also shown his technical chops: Even his detractors have to admit he is a very astute businessmen and executives.

To say he will fail in these roles would be a gross underestimation. Where it goes from here, in addition to try and help the disadvantaged of the world, is a person to guess. Regarding the past, suffice to say that in the last three decades, Gates and company have literally changed the world.

Now he passes most of his time working on his family charity, but he said he will continue to work as much as 20 percent of his time on “special projects” for Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Head the best direction Buddy Gates, Steve Ballmer.

Ballmer himself said he would hang around as CEO for another nine or 10 years - until her children go to college. Gates, he said, is always available for advice. However, Microsoft is now her baby. The recent play to buy Yahoo has been Ballmer.

When people will barely be able to remember the last who was president, Gates name is sure to be a part of the cultural milieu, perhaps as Andrew Carnegie - a true robber baron and one of our the biggest story of philanthropists.

Gates first announced one day retire - 50 - about 12 or 13 years. As that date approached, he came back a little, industry and many observers thought he might become a classic entrepreneur who could not let go, like other technology, as the founders Steve Jobs or by Michael Dell. But two years ago, Gates said he could be let go. There will be 53 in the fall. In announcing his departure two years in advance, it is more intelligent than most senior executives than retirement. He seems to have worked diligently to ensure that the company he founded - without doubt the largest software company in the world - will continue successfully without him.

However, Gates has begun the process of setting up the company for its eventual departure when he, and the Board of Directors, Ballmer promoted to the position of CEO in 2000. Two years ago, Gates spend his chief software architect as perhaps the only technician able to take its place as a visionary - the legendary Ray Ozzie.

Now it is cut. Ballmer was out of his old friend behind the shadows, and observers will now begin to write that Ballmer is finally taking decisions. In reality, this is going since a long time.

Gates was known as a Firebrand - and often arrogant - when he was CEO and the company was much smaller. The company grew, and Gates wanted to do what he liked best - guide technology vision.

Gates becomes visually mellower; Ballmer has not become less hyperactive than it had always been. They were buddies who probably can complete each other’s sentences after 28 years in business together. And while the focus has always been on Gates, a large part of what the media have taken to Gates acting behind the scenes Ballmer was actually doing what he considers the best decisions for the good of society.

One reason for this schedule is to illustrate the power change over time. As you read, try to consider a subtle shift, from the late 1990, where decision-making power was transferred gradually. Gates gave his last speech to the troops Friday morning. Now is the baby of Ballmer.