The Long Arc Behind Bill Gates´ Wealth, Part 2

Did Bill Gates acquire most of his wealth by fair means or foul? Last issue´s column examined the 1980s and early 1990s and largely saw fair actions. A few fell on the border. Today we ask about the mid-1990s and beyond. What a period this was for Gates. The diffusion of the Internet required a redirection of numerous Microsoft activities. Gates had the skills to lead such an organizational renewal, and he did. Those actions were impressive. The Internet also raised numerous challenges to Microsoft´s market dominance. In protecting that dominance, Gates was accused of committing many fouls. These also were impressive, albeit in an infamous way. The details make for a rich story behind a wealthy man.