Ballmer advisor out of Microsoft

Martin Taylor, a key adviser to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, has left the software maker.

Taylor, a 13-year company veteran who led Microsoft's 'Get the Facts' anti-Linux crusade for several years, was named in March as a corporate vice president overseeing the marketing push for Windows Live services.

Before he led the 'Get the Facts' campaign, Taylor served as director of business strategy, working directly for Ballmer on various strategic projects and on long-term planning for the corporation. Prior to that, he spent more than two years as general manager of Microsoft's Caribbean unit.

Microsoft said in a statement: "We've made the difficult decision to part ways with Martin but we don't comment on personnel matters. We appreciate Martin's contributions at Microsoft over the past 13 years."

Taylor could not immediately be reached for comment. His departure was reported on Tuesday by Bloomberg News as well as The Wall Street Journal.

Highlighting the abruptness of the departure, both reports noted that Taylor had been quoted on Monday in a press release announcing Windows Live Messenger, the new version of Microsoft's instant messaging software.

Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com