Bill Gates praises "inspirational" Steve Jobs

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 16 Nov 2009 at 11:07

Bill Gates has showered former nemesis Steve Jobs in praise for his role in rebuilding Apple in the nineties.

In a program called "Keeping America Great" shown on CNBC, Gates was asked by a university student how he felt about the Apple chief executive.

After an amused pause that brought a ripple of laughter from the crowd, Gates went on to enthuse about the man who "saved the company."

"He's done a fantastic job. When Steve was coming back to Apple, it was in very tough shape and most likely it wasn't going to survive. He brought in a team and he brought in inspiration in great products and design that's made Apple into an incredible force, and doing good things," Gates gushed.

Of all the leaders in the industry that I've worked with he's showed more inspiration and he saved the company

"Of all the leaders in the industry that I've worked with he's showed more inspiration and he saved the company."

Despite an occasionally tumultuous relationship - which famously saw Steve Jobs describe iTunes on Windows as "like giving a glass of water to somebody in hell" - the two have often displayed a great deal of warmth for one another.

Sharing a stage in 2007, Jobs claimed "I think the world's a better place because Bill realised that his goal isn't to be the richest guy in the cemetery," with Gates responding: "I'd give a lot to have Steve's taste. The way he does things is just different and, you know, I think it's magical."

Now we just need somebody to ask about their feelings towards Steve Ballmer.