Microsoft Loses Paul Allen From Board

Paul Allen, one of the key players in
Microsoft Corp's [NASDAQ:MSFT] creation, will quit the software
company's board of directors in November. He will, however, be
retained as a strategy adviser to Bill Gates and other Microsoft
executives.

In a statement today, Microsoft said Allen will not seek re-election
to the board. Another director, Richard Hackborn, will also leave
the board having already quit as chairman of the board of
Hewlett-Packard Co. [NYSE:HWP] last week.

"Paul and I have an amazing friendship that extends back over
30 years," said Bill Gates, chairman of the Microsoft board of
directors. "I will continue to value his friendship and counsel in
the years ahead."

Allen said his new role as Microsoft's senior strategy adviser
will enable him to spend more time on technology and products.

Allen has investments in numerous technology companies, owns
the Seattle Seahawks football team and the Portland Trail Blazers
basketball team and founded the Experience Music Project in
Seattle.