WSJ.com: Microsoft Tries to Outgrow 'The Bill and Steve Show' "The rapid exits underscore a surprising fact: For all its market might, Microsoft continues to struggle with the basic task of building a professional management structure. Though Mr. Ballmer, 46, has taken many chores from Bill Gates, Microsoft's 47-year-old co-founder and chairman, the two men remain inextricably involved in mundane matters as well as strategic ones. Mr. Ballmer, who joined the company in 1980 and has long been Mr. Gates's right-hand man, has tried harder to delegate authority lately. The most recent reorganization is just his latest attempt. But he has made limited progress in creating a top-level management foundation to outlast the two leaders."