Bill Gates leads tributes to Steve Jobs

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has released a statement paying tribute to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who died on Wednesday.

The former head of Microsoft said he was "truly saddened" to hear of Jobs' passing and saluted the "profound impact" he had on the world.

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death," said a statement released through his spokesperson.

"Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

• Opinion: Steve Jobs: 'insanely great'

"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."

Microsoft and Apple have, of course, had a storied rivalry lasting over 30 years.

Jobs and Gates had locked horns while the rival Macintosh and Windows platforms went head-to-head throughout the 80s and 90s, and right up until Gates stepped down as Microsoft CEO in 2008.

Microsoft's co-founder Paul Allen also released a statement calling Jobs a "unique pioneer and auteur."

"He's done a fantastic job," Gates once said of Jobs' reign at Apple, adding, "Of all the leaders in the industry that I've worked with, he showed more inspiration and he saved the company."