Knowledge is power

Only The Wall Street Journal could possibly convince Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Apple’s Steve jobs to share a stage together for the first time in 20 years. The two strong men of the two most influential and successful computer technology companies in North America were interviewed live by Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher in a special event during the fifth annual D: All things digital conference. Gates and Jobs talked about the past, present and future of all things digital. They agreed that the two have had a special relationship over the years which even though most people consider it one of rivalry and bitterness, it is more of a competitive and business one. Microsoft and Apple started by being partners back in the late seventies only to become competitors in later years although as Jobs said after coming back to Apple he realized that it didn’t have to be that way. Apple and Microsoft can coexist and both be successful in the technology marketplace. And that is the truth, isn’t it? I am glad that the two men avoided taking cheap shots at each other. It was refreshing to hear them talk about the digital future and how the technologies that they are developing will change the way we use computers and manage our daily lives. Luckily, the entire interview is available online for free. I have included below the first 15 minutes to wet your appetite. You can watch the entire event at the official D: All Things Digital website.