(Image source from: Steve Ballmer to quit Microsoft – who's next?})

Microsoft's head honcho Steve Ballmer is all set to decamp the top seat in a few months time. With his tenure drawing to a close now and both Steve Jobs and Bill Gates no more at the at the helm of affairs, can we call this an end of an era in Microsoft?

His retirement announcement comes at a time when Microsoft is literally in the throes of trouble with the Windows division facing a crisis and Windows tablet  having a bad run in the market. Also, with the company all set to embark on a new strategic mission to revive its fading glory, what coerced Microsoft's relentless salesman to quit as a CEO?

Talking about his decision, Ballmer said, “There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. We have embarked on a new strategy with a new organization and we have an amazing Senior Leadership Team. My original thoughts on timing would have had my retirement happen in the middle of our company’s transformation to a devices and services company. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction.”

Close to the heels of the announcement, Microsoft has set up a committee to initiate the search for a new CEO who would succeed Ballmer. “The Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct the process. This committee is chaired by John Thompson, the board’s lead independent director, and includes Chairman of the Board Bill Gates, Chairman of the Audit Committee Chuck Noski and Chairman of the Compensation Committee Steve Luczo. The special committee is working with Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., a leading executive recruiting firm, and will consider both external and internal candidates,” the committee stated.

AW: Suchorita Dutta