Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are famous for a long, sometimes-bitter rivalry. But the two technology titans kept the gloves on for the most part at a rare joint appearance here, and firmly agree on one thing: It's a good time to be in the technology industry.
"We'll look back at this as one of the great periods of invention," Mr.Gates said at a conference here sponsored by The Wall Street Journal. "I think so," Mr. Jobs answered.
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs onstage together at the D5 conference, talking about each other's contributions to history.
The two industry pioneers, who began as partners but are now widely seen as rivals in fields such as online music and operating systems, appeared onstage for the first time in many years. They spent an hour and a half reminiscing on their careers, occasionally poking fun at each other.
Messrs. Gates and Jobs spoke of their close collaboration at the formation of the personal computer industry and their admiration for each others' accomplishments. Microsoft Corp. was an important developer of software, including applications and programming tools, for Apple Inc.'s early PCs, including the Apple II and Macintosh.
When the duo were asked by an audience member what qualities they respected most about each other, Mr. Gates said he'd "give a lot to have Steve's taste," reflecting on meetings he participated in with Mr. Jobs during the early days of Apple's Macintosh. "I would see Steve make decisions based on a sense of people and products," Mr. Gates said. "The way he does things is just different, and it's magical."
Mr. Jobs, for his part, said he admired Mr. Gates's philanthropic efforts. "I think the world's a better place because Bill realized his goal isn't to be the richest guy in the cemetery," he said.
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