The man people alternatively credit or blame for the homogeneity of "Windows" announced yesterday that he is stepping away from day-to-day involvement with Microsoft. Will that company survive his departure? Maybe Bill couldn't take Microsoft blogger Robert Scoble's defection to a startup. Who knows what motivates one of the world's richest people.

Many are wondering what will happen to Microsoft. The company seems stalled these days. Its latest OS is delayed. Google is eating Microsoft's lunch on Internet solutions. Heck, they even came out with online competitors to Excel and Word. Watch out.

Maybe one of the benefits will be the end to the long standing, often bitter rivalry with Apple. Is there the possibility of a joint venture with the two companies that would make the Mac OS the PC standard -- of course, under a Microsoft banner. Does that seem too far fetched? Why did Apple convert to Intel chips again? Oh, that's right, the speed. If you believe that I have some Web 2.0 stocks you might want to invest in.