DeVaan came to Microsoft long ago in 1984 and since then held a number of functions within the company. His decision was announced on Facebook, and on this occasion he recalled his origins within the company and work on early versions of the Mac, as well as his contributions in the first version of Excel for Windows operating system. Until this decision to withdraw he was also involved in the development of Windows 7 and 8.

Microsoft has confirmed DeVaan's withdrawal in a short statement without revealing whether there are deeper reasons for his retirement.

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