Source: Microsoft

Steve Ballmer was undoubtedly one of the biggest tech figures of 2013. He was CEO of Microsoft for more than a decade, usually associated with philanthropist and former CEO Bill Gates.

From the response of Microsoft staff and the tech community, it is regretful to see Ballmer leave Microsoft. But hints of a lacklustre performance and deflated stock prices have been flooding the media for some time. Some reports have said that Gates supports the step by board members for Ballmer to 'give it up.'

The search for a new CEO is in the process and is expected to be complete by early January.

But one can't help wondering why Ballmer, who reiterates constantly that 'Microsoft is his favorite software company,' retires after a tearful speech to his employees. His keynotes are prominent for his eccentricity. He is also known to prance around on stage with loud music like a heavy metal rock enthusiast.

Source: Youtube - Investors Dance as Steve Ballmer Exits

Looking at the video of his farewell speech to employees, it appears there's some skepticism that he is exiting the firm on his own will. His comments reflect Microsoft as a firm and not about the people on the board or the circumstances around it.

Speaking to Wall Street, Ballmer pitched Microsoft to investors making a request to support his vision for the wonder firm he is leaving because it is his 'a unified devices and services firm that he believes in.

The unconventional speech to investors quoted Ballmer as saying, "We have the tools. There's economic upside here. In the long run, we are almost uniquely poised to seize the opportunity,"

He added, "Today I'm speaking as an investor. You all own Microsoft stock, cheer for it, for God's sake," techgigg.com reported.

Ballmer expressed regret in his strategy to stay glued to Windows when Apple had a more lucrative strategy of creating a revolutionary phone. He also cited Windows Vista as one of his biggest regrets, CBS News said.