Co-founders of Microsoft Corp., Bill Gates and Paul Allen, expressed their condolences and regret about the death of Steve Jobs, the co-founder and a long-time leader of Apple. Despite of being rivals for over three decades, the co-founders of Microsoft call Mr. Jobs a unique tech pioneer, colleague, competitor and friend.

"I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor.  I will miss Steve immensely," said Bill Gates in a statement.

^{Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at AllThingsD conference in 2007}

"My condolences to Steve Jobs family and friends. We've lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products. Steve fought a long battle against tough odds in a very brave way. He kept doing amazing things in the face of all that adversity. As someone who has had his own medical challenges, I couldn’t help but be encouraged by how he persevered," said Paul Allen in a statement.

^{Steve Jobs and Bill Gates in "10 years of the PC" for Fortune. Image from AllAboutSteveJobs.com}

Steve Jobs passed away on Wednesday, the 5th of October, 2011. He was 56 years old.

Tags: Apple, Microsoft