Business competitors, political leaders and adoring fans are all paying tributes to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who passed away Wednesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, Jobs' long-time rival and former business partner, said Wednesday that Jobs' impact on the world of technology will be felt “for many generations to come.” Gates, an early supporter of Macintosh computers, said working with Jobs was “an insanely great honor.”

Technology competitor Samsung praised Jobs' “innovative spirit,” calling him a “great entrepreneur.” The two technology giants have been locked in a series of patent lawsuits since April, when Apple took legal action against Samsung for allegedly copying technology used in the popular iPhones and iPads to create its own line of smartphones and tablet computers.

Calling Jobs one of America's “greatest innovators,” U.S. President Barack Obama said “there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success” than the fact that “much of the world learned about his passing on a device he invented.”

Apple fans gathered outside the organization's headquarters in Cupertino, California on Wednesday to share memories of Steve Jobs, as fans across the globe filled social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook with their online memorials. “iSad” was a trending topic on Twitter on Wednesday night.

Recently appointed Apple CEO Tim Cook, who took over when Jobs stepped down in August, said Jobs' spirit will “forever be the foundation of Apple.”

A memorial message on Apple's website says that fans can share their memories of Jobs by sending an email to the organization.

The 56-year-old Jobs died peacefully Wednesday at his home surrounded by family.