Windows Ace Sinofsky Quits Microsoft 

(MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Microsoft executive Steven Sinofsky who turned its Windows franchise around and just led the effort to release Windows 8 has quit the software giant with immediate effect.

The company said the decision behind Sinofsky's departure was mutual, thought the abruptness of the announcement might suggest otherwise.

Sinofsky, a controversial figure at the company, was the subject of a recent CNET profile that explored his polarizing ways.

Company sources said he was warring with Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, according to a CBSNews report today.

"I am grateful for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company," Ballmer said.

Sinofsky was equally gracious in his comments. "It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft.

I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company," Sinofsky said in a statement.