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Bill Gates: True Management
by Melissa Pringle
Business Programs Columnist
Throughout his business career, Bill Gates has used management techniques that have helped him become the richest man in the world.
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When Bill Gates began programming computers at age 13, no one could have guessed that his fascination with computers and shrewd business tactics would lead to a career with a Forbes ranking as the world's richest person.
Where did Bill Gates get his business education?Bill Gates was largely self-taught. His fascination with computers began before he got into high school, and continued throughout his teenage years. In 1973, he entered Harvard University and began pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science.
How did Bill Gates start his business career?In 1975, Gates and two of his friends developed a version of BASIC, which they sold to the makers of the first microcomputer. At this point, Gates dropped out of Harvard with friend Paul Allen to work full-time on Microsoft, a software company they started together. In 1980, Gates and Allen developed an operating system to license to IBM for their personal computer.
Why is Bill Gates so successful?
Much of Bill Gates's success in his business career has come from his management of Microsoft and its products. As early as 1976, Gates stated that no computer hobbyist could continue to produce high-quality software without being paid. When computer companies tried to imitate the operating system Gates developed for IBM, he licensed MS-DOS to those companies, preventing them from creating more imitations. Gates has been aggressive in his management of Microsoft's marketing and products, ensuring that many computers come with his software pre-installed. Through various product and business management techniques, Gates has spent his career making Microsoft the largest software company in the world.
What is Bill Gates' net worth?
Gates' annual salary is $1 million, and his overall net worth is $50 billion. For a short time in 1999, he was world's first centibillionaire, with a net worth of over $100 billion.
Bill Gates Fast Facts:-
Quote: "The way to be successful in the software world is to come up with breakthrough software, and so whether it's Microsoft Office or Windows, it's pushing that forward. New ideas, surprising the marketplace, so good engineering and good business are one in the same."
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Net Worth: $50 billion
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Hometown: Washington
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Education: Dropped out of Harvard University as a junior
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About the Author
Melissa Pringle is a freelance writer currently pursuing a master's degree in Spanish.
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