Who Is Ray Ozzie? : Wealth Report Net Worth 2026: Career Earnings & Assets
Updated: May 05, 2026
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Raymond “Ray” Ozzie, born on November 20, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is a distinguished American software industry entrepreneur renowned for his pivotal role in creating Lotus Notes and his tenure as Chief Technical Officer and Chief Software Architect at Microsoft. His innovative contributions have significantly shaped collaborative software and cloud computing.
Early Life and Family Background
Ray Ozzie grew up in Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Park Ridge, where he graduated from Maine South High School in 1973. His early exposure to technology began in high school, where he learned programming on a GE-400 mainframe and an Olivetti-Underwood Programma 101. This experience ignited his passion for computing. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 1979. During his time there, he contributed to the PLATO system, an early computer-based education system that influenced his interest in collaborative software.
Personal Life and Relationships
Ray Ozzie is married to Dawna Bousquet, and they have two children, Neil and Jill Ozzie. Despite his high-profile career, Ozzie maintains a private personal life, focusing on his family and professional endeavors.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Ray Ozzie’s net worth is estimated at approximately $650 million, primarily accumulated through his roles at Lotus Development, Groove Networks, and Microsoft. His wealth reflects his significant contributions to the software industry and successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Ozzie’s professional journey commenced at Data General Corporation, where he worked under Jonathan Sachs. He later joined Software Arts, collaborating with Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston, the creators of VisiCalc. In 1984, Ozzie founded Iris Associates to develop Lotus Notes, a groundbreaking groupware application that revolutionized business communication. Lotus Development acquired Iris Associates in 1994, and IBM subsequently acquired Lotus in 1995. Ozzie continued to innovate by founding Groove Networks in 1997, focusing on collaborative software. Microsoft acquired Groove in 2005, leading to Ozzie’s appointment as one of three Chief Technical Officers. In 2006, he succeeded Bill Gates as Chief Software Architect, steering Microsoft’s software strategy towards cloud computing.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
After departing Microsoft in 2010, Ozzie continued his entrepreneurial ventures by founding Talko Inc. in 2012, focusing on mobile communication applications. Microsoft acquired Talko in 2015 to enhance its Skype platform. In 2017, Ozzie founded Blues Wireless, aiming to simplify Internet of Things (IoT) communications. His ongoing contributions to technology and innovation continue to influence the industry.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Ozzie co-founded Safecast, a non-profit organization focused on open environmental data, demonstrating his commitment to societal contributions beyond the tech industry. His legacy includes pioneering collaborative software and advocating for cloud computing, significantly impacting modern computing paradigms.
- Full Name: Raymond Edward Ozzie
- Date of Birth: November 20, 1955
- Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Nationality: American
- Education: B.S. in Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1979)
- Career Beginnings: Data General Corporation, Software Arts
- Notable Works: Lotus Notes, Groove Networks, Microsoft Azure
- Relationship Status: Married
- Spouse: Dawna Bousquet
- Children: Neil Ozzie, Jill Ozzie
- Net Worth: Approximately $650 million
- Major Achievements: Development of Lotus Notes, Leadership in Cloud Computing Initiatives at Microsoft
Notable Works and Achievements
Lotus Notes, developed under Ozzie’s leadership, became a cornerstone in enterprise collaboration, utilized by millions worldwide. At Microsoft, he authored the influential memo “The Internet Services Disruption,” advocating for a shift towards cloud services. This vision culminated in the development of Microsoft Azure, a leading cloud computing platform. Ozzie’s foresight and leadership were instrumental in Microsoft’s transition to cloud-based services.
Future Plans and Impact on Culture
Through Blues Wireless, Ozzie continues to innovate in IoT communications, aiming to streamline connectivity in an increasingly interconnected world. His work has profoundly influenced software development and enterprise collaboration, leaving an indelible mark on technology and culture.
Disclaimer: Who Is Ray Ozzie? wealth data updated April 2026.