August 6, 1997: Steve Jobs, Bill Gates on the Microsoft – Apple Alliance

by Jeffrey Powers @geekazine · Published August 6, 2018 · Updated July 30, 2018

August 6, 1997: Bill Gates & Steve Jobs create a Microsoft/Apple alliance

It was the day that will live in infamy. Apple on the verge of collapse. Steve Jobs in dire need. So he calls on the only person that can help – Bill Gates.

Well, it didn’t happen that way. But in 1997, at MacWorld Expo, the two come together to announce a five year alliance. Microsoft buys $150 Million of non-voting stock into Apple and hold it for 3 years. Patents will be cross-licensed for the next 5 years. Microsoft Office would be created for Mac computers. Internet Explorer would also be developed for the Mac OS.

This is considered one of the 10 most pivotal moments in tech history. Of course, Steve Jobs changed directions and Apple grew after this moment. Although some might have said this was one of Apple’s worst moments in time, it really turned out to be their best.

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