ZDNet: How Microsoft's Brain Drain is Bleeding the Company

"When working stiffs need a break, they 'call in sick' for a few days. When Microserfs need a break, they 'call in rich.' Forever.

Roughly a third of Microsoft's 30,000 employees are already millionaires... But now the company that made them wealthy is paying a steep price: More than half a dozen of its high-level executives have resigned or taken leaves since the beginning of the year."

"The shift is transforming Microsoft. Look back five years. Many of the minds who led Microsoft to its greatest victories have left for good."

"The shift threatens to transform the Internet as well, by permeating the market with a new breed of startup. The piranhas are out of the aquarium, and they promise to transform the Net with their market-focused, fast-moving, aggressive startup ideas. Headed by Microsoft veterans. Financed by Microsoft money. And infused with the meat-eating Microsoft mindset."

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• ZDNet: Ballmer sounds alarm to MS managers(Mar 01, 1999)