But, what else could Ballmer say? I haven't read the SEC filing from Microsoft on this, but I suspect it said he retiring for personal reasons which could mean anything.

About Gates, I doubt it also. But, remember a guy named Steve Jobs? - he came back to save a company he loved. Jobs and Gates are really special visionaries in the industry.... so stranger things have happened.

In a different industry, Charles Schwab took back his company a few years ago to save it. You just never know how attached a founder is to something.

And I don't use the word "saved his company" lightly.... I think Microsoft needs a big turn around to get past some self inflicted black eyes.


>Ballmer said that wasn't the case.
>
>Gates is NOT coming back.
>
>>As a wild card, the financial press is suggesting it was Gates that forced Balmmer out, and perhaps Gates might be asked to step back in. Time will tell.