Ballmer Gets Vote of Confidence From Microsoft Board [reuters.com]

Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) board stood behind Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer on Thursday, defending its longtime leader after influential hedge fund manager David Einhorn touched off a debate by calling for his dismissal.

Microsoft's nine-person board, including Chairman and co-founder Bill Gates, supports Ballmer, a source close to the board told Reuters on Thursday. Microsoft itself declined comment.