 No. 7 Linus Torvalds, father of Linux
Last year's position: 5
His fifth time on the list, Linus Torvalds is among the select few who've been named an Agenda Setter every year since its inception.
Though he began Linux in 1991 while at university in Helsinki, he's voted for again and again because of his continuing influence in tech - when Linux talks, people listen - and as the symbolic leader of the open source movement.
Linux is no longer a joke in corporate IT departments. It's a real threat to Microsoft's livelihood as defections from Windows, particularly in the public sector, become increasingly frequent. The dream that one day we would have a viable alternative to Microsoft has become a reality.
For this, the Agenda Setters panel reasoned, we have Torvalds to thank.
The open source movement could get stung by the enforcement of software patents. Already Torvalds has spoken out on this issue and you know if a fight comes, Torvalds will be on the frontlines.
As open source's influence expands, so does Torvalds'. Though down two spots from last year, he has achieved his highest ranking ever against Bill Gates. Having previously lagged a few places behind, this year the two are tied at number 7 - an Agenda Setters first.
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