Miguel de Icaza
Miguel de Icaza was born in Mexico city where he started writing free software since he was 20. In 1997 Miguel has started the GNOME project with Federico Mena to create a free desktop environment and component model for Linux and other Unix Like operating systems. In 1999 together with Nat Freidman, Miguel has co founded Helix Code, a GNOME oriented free software
company. In 2001 Helix Code, later renamed Ximian, announced the Mono Project to be led by Miguel. The goal was to implement Microsoft's new .NET development on Linux and Unix like platforms. In 2003 Ximian was acquired by Novell Inc where Miguel de Icaza now holds the role of VP of Developer Platform.