Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
No, thank you Accept
X
WWDC: Everything We ExpectRemote Working in ParadiseBest Mineral SunscreensBest Solar CompaniesCNET CouponsMeal Subscription vs. TakeoutBest Satellite Internet ProvidersCurrent Mortgage Rates

Year in review: In their own words

When it came to the big stories of the year, CNET News.com engaged the movers and shakers in one-on-one conversations to learn something more about their plans, their ambitions and their fears.

CNET News staff
2 min read
 


In their own words
Tech leaders take turns at the News.com microphone


When it came to the big stories of the year, CNET News.com engaged the movers and shakers in one-on-one conversations to learn something more about their plans, their ambitions and their fears.

We selected some of highlights from the year just ended, ranging from our talk with Bill Gates about the software mogul's strategy for Microsoft's next evolution, to AOL Time Warner's CEO-to-be Richard Parsons on why the Web can't remain free.

It's an eclectic mix but if there was a common theme, it was the belief that that the near-term upset of industry and economic turmoil would get replaced--sooner, not later--by a return to normalcy.

But as you will see, their optimistic assessments of their companies and even their own career paths often were just plain wrong.

Craig Barrett: Not just chips anymore
Intel's CEO explains the chipmaker's push into consumer electronics. But 10 months later the company whacked the division due to weak growth prospects.
January 9, 2001
Bill Joy: Visions of doomsday
Sun Microsystems' chief scientist sparked impassioned debate when he wrote an essay about the dangers posed by new technologies. Is Bill Joy a kill joy?
April 24, 2001
Fujio Nishida: Always on the move
The president of Sony Electronics explains that he is not expecting "a big splash" with the eVilla Net appliance. Good thing, because the company discontinued the device two months later.
July 17, 2001
Sir Arthur C. Clarke: Tech and terror
The author of "2001: A Space Odyssey" explains why demand for gadgets such as cell phones is killing off African gorillas. Why does he believe "technology is really civilization"?
October 19, 2001
Jim Allchin: Windows XP is benign
The prospect of an operating system integrated with Microsoft services such as Passport again fuel antitrust concerns. Should competitors worry?
August 29, 2001
Eric Schmidt: Searching for answers
Novell's former CEO takes command of Web search darling Google with the mandate "don't screw it up." So how does he intend to avoid repeating missteps he made at Novell?
August 8, 2001
Bill Gates: A right to improve
Whether talking about adding features to Windows or criticizing open-source licensing, there's no ignoring Gates' passion. Will Microsoft make more of its source code available to customers?
June 20, 2001
Hasso Plattner: Plotting Oracle's demise
The CEO of SAP talks of IBM's "stupid decision" in the supply-chain software business and has words of caution about application service providers. Does his company really "feed on Oracle"?
June 21, 2001
Richard Parsons: Why the Web can't remain free
A few months after saying there are executives "more qualified than I," Parson "="" rel="follow">is tapped to become the next CEO of AOL Time Warner. How will he make sure people say his company "is slammin'?"
May 7, 2001
Will Wright: The secret behind "The Sims"
The creator of the wildly popular line of simulation games gives credit to fans for helping guide the development. What's behind the "Calvin factor"?
March 16, 2001
Dale Fuller: The new barbarians?
Borland's sixth CEO in six years discusses the company's brain drain and his plans for a turnaround. Has his "gas house" strategy been effective?
July 23, 2001
Barry Schuler: Big shoes to fill
The chief executive of AOL Time's Warner's online division defends the division's revenue potential. But three months later some analysts remained concerned.
July 25, 2001