Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Steve Jobs is the CEO of Apple, which he co-founded in 1976 when he made an easily affordable personal computer become a reality for many households across the United States. In the early years of Apple, Jobs was among the first to realize the commercial potential of a mouse driven user interface. In 1985, Jobs founded NeXT, a computer development company that marketed to the business and higher education communities. He has focused on developing products that have aesthetic appeal as well as functionality. Fortune Magazine named Jobs the Most Powerful Businessman of 2007.
Bill Gates is the chairman of Microsoft Corporation, which he co-founded in 1975. He developed software for personal computers based on his belief that computers would one day become a vital part of every work and home. Gates has always been determined to improve software to make it easier and more enjoyable to use. He has authored and co-authored several books, notably Business @ the Speed of Thought which has been printed in 25 languages in more than 60 countries. As philanthropy is also very important to Gates, he and his wife, Melinda, founded The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000 to help reduce inequities within the United States and globally.