I doubt it would matter much to Microsoft if he leaves. It's not that he had a say in the day to day operations and even when it comes to long term strategy I think Steve needed him because Steve himself was not a technologist. If another CEO like Mulally takes over then he would benefit from a Bill's inputs but if they get a tech savvy CEO which I think they should then Bill would be more of a hindrance than help.
The arguments made in the article seem logical too. He's an icon and it'd be sad to see him step down but nothing that's impact the company.
The arguments made in the article seem logical too. He's an icon and it'd be sad to see him step down but nothing that's impact the company.