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After nearly 30 years running Microsoft, Bill Gates is preparing to stand down.

The co-founder of one of the most famous technology companies in the world is leaving Microsoft at a time when analysts are speculating about the future of the firm, following its failed bid to buy Yahoo!, according to Reuters.

Under Mr Gates guidance, Microsoft grew from just 30 employees in 1980 to more than 90,000 today, the news provider reported.

Microsoft led the way in producing operating systems in PCs with Windows and also brought the Xbox 360 to consumers, ABC News highlighted.

Speaking to the news agency, Mary Jo Foley, author of the book Microsoft 2.0: How Microsoft Plans to Stay Relevant in the Post-Gates Era, commented: "I think Bill Gates leaving is on the same level as Steve Jobs leaving [Apple]. He is Microsoft. He has been the face of Microsoft for 33 years."

In a recent speech at the Microsoft Tech•Ed 2008 conference, Mr Gates said he will be going on to work full-time at his charitable foundation.