The Microsoft website announces that Steve Ballmer will retire from his post as Microsoft CEO within the next 12 months, and will take the Long Walk into the Cursed Earth to bring law to the lawless (thanks Verno). Here's word:

REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 23, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer has decided to retire as CEO within the next 12 months, upon the completion of a process to choose his successor. In the meantime, Ballmer will continue as CEO and will lead Microsoft through the next steps of its transformation to a devices and services company that empowers people for the activities they value most.