"He created magical products, experiences and institutions...": Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pens touching tribute to company co-founder Paul Allen

Current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has written a touching note following the demise of the computing stalwart's co-founder Paul Allen. The Redmond Washington-based tech giant has posted the statement on its Twitter account. 

"Paul Allen's contributions to our company, our industry and to our community are indispensable. As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions and in doing so, he changed the world. I have learned so much from him -- his inquisitiveness, curiosity and push for high standards is something that will continue to inspire me and all of us at Microsoft. Our hearts are with Paul's family and loved ones. Rest in peace." - Satya Nadella

READ: Microsoft Co-Founder And Philanthropist Paul Allen Passes Away At The Age Of 65

Paul Allen and Bill Gates' story of starting Microsoft is, along with the story of Apple's Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, is the stuff of technology legend. Interestingly, both Gates and Allen dropped out of college to pursue computing at a time that personal computing was unheard of concept. What's more, how they turned their vision into reality also has remarkable thematic similarities with Apple. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were each the 'sales and marketing' whizzes of their enterprises, often winning game-changing contracts without having the essential technology to fulfill it. In Microsoft's case, this was an order from IBM to provide an operating system, which was eventually 'sourced' from another programmed. Similarly, Apple's GUI (Graphic User Interface) is popularly believed to have been picked up from the vaults of Xerox where it was gathering dust.

Allen had been heavily involved in the initial success that catapulted Microsoft into an operating system maker in the new world of personal computers. Unfortunately, a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma saw Allen's involvement at Microsoft being limited after 1982, though his stake in the company saw him become a billionaire as Microsoft came to become a dominant, almost monopolistic force in the industry over the next two decades. He resigned from Microsoft's board in November 2000 but remained a senior advisor. Allen also turned his fortune into an investment arm via Vulcan Capital and owned three sports franchises -- the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team, the Seattle Seahawks NFL team and the Seattle Sounders MLS Football Club (partially) -- all three proving successful both as businesses and as sports teams. 

A noted philanthropist, Allen passed away on Monday from lymphoma complications at the age of 65.