Here is a short video clip of Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft [MSFT], fighting back the tears as he asks employees to thank Bill Gates for the opportunity to work at Microsoft and for being responsible for its culture of "tenacity."

http://www.hulu.com/watch/24726/cnet-news-ballmers-tearful-good-bye



There are still many in Silicon Valley who remember that the Microsoft culture also led to business behavior that was judged to be illegal and that violated US anti-trust laws. There are many veteran entrepreneurs that have horror stories related to Microsoft.

The software giant has done well with its PR machine in Silicon Valley, where gradually I have perceived a rise in positive sentiment towards Microsoft, which could expand as a Google [GOOG] backlash builds. But Microsoft still has a long way to go in rebuilding trust.

Maybe it will be easier to mend Silicon Valley fences now that Bill Gates is gone.

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Please see:

DOJ: Microsoft antitrust settlement has benefited consumers | InfoWorld

U.S. v. Microsoft: Court's Findings of Fact