In late 1996, Apple purchased Ne XT, and Jobs returned to Apple in an unofficial capacity as advisor to the president. When Amelia resigned, Jobs accepted the role of “interim CEO” of Apple Computer and wasted on time in making his return felt. He announced an alliance with Apple’s former rival, Microsoft. In exchange for $150 million in Apple stock, Microsoft and Apple would share a five-year patent cross license for their graphical interface operating systems. He restarted offering Macs over the Web thorough the Apple Store.