Microsoft: Legacies Of Paul Allen

By Olabisi Olaleye with additional report from online media

Allen

It is no longer news that the co-founder of Microsoft who ushered in the personal computing revolution, channeled his enormous fortune into transforming Seattle into a cultural destination, Paul  Allen died  on Monday in Seattle. He was 65.

The legacies that he stood for include the introduction of computers and coding, of dizzying development and the relentless power of ever-smaller microprocessors.

Technology experts call him a polymath, with a horizon of interests that encompasses human endeavour in its widest, and sometimes wildest, sense.

“The billions he earned from Microsoft were used to feed his own intellectual curiosity. And the world often benefited”

In a statement by his family, Allen died from complications  from cancer (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).

“The disease recurred recently after having been in remission for years. He left Microsoft in the early 1980s, after the cancer first appeared, and, using his enormous wealth, went on to make a powerful impact on Seattle life through his philanthropy and his ownership of the N.F.L. team there, ensuring that it would remain in the city”.

Bill Gates

In his tribute, Bill Gates said he was terribly heartbroken on the demise of his oldest and dearest friend.

“I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paul Allen. From our early days together at Lakeside School, through our partnership in the creation of Microsoft, to some of our joint philanthropic projects over the years, Paul was a true partner and dear friend.

“Personal computing would not have existed without him. But Paul wasn’t content with starting one company. He channeled his intellect and compassion into a second act focused on improving people’s lives and strengthening communities in Seattle and around the world. He was fond of saying, “If it has the potential to do good, then we should do it.”

He added that Paul loved life and those around him, and was cherished in return,saying, ” He deserved much more time, but his contributions to the world of technology and philanthropy will live on for generations to come. I will miss him tremendously”.

Recall that Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft together in 1975, cementing the pair as legends in the world of technology.