Do not go quietly into that multi-colored Windows night…

I picked a good day to return from vacation. With his retirement looming tomorrow, there are a lot of questions surrounding Microsoft after Bill Gates steps down for good. Many websites are launching massive tributes (Thanks Gizmodo!), while others are posting pieces regarding Gates’ Microsoft successor, Steve Ballmer.

Even others are beginning to look at other major technology CEO’s and their futures in the industry, such as CNN’s piece on Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs.

The sad reality of the situation is that the leaders of the technology revolution are starting to get older, starting to think about retirement. The time is fast approaching for a new wave of tech minds to start taking over and infusing the market with their ideas for the advancement of technology throughout the rest of the 21st century.

Of course, people like Steve Ballmer (52 years old) and many of the people listed in the CNNMoney article (almost all in their late forties and older) aren’t exactly infusing a new, youthful approach to the tech world. Hell, Gates himself is only 53.

That’s not to say that the tech world needs to begin putting 26-year old CEO’s into place (though if things don’t work out for Ballmer over at Microsoft, I’m available at the right price…). But the technology world shouldn’t be expecting some fresh faced ideas to begin popping up just because the “old guard” is starting to step down.