Gundotra had come over to Google from Microsoft and had been involved with mobile app creation, as well as Google+ Vic Gundotra, who has served as a vice president at Google and was involved in the creation of the Google+ social nework, announced his departure from Google on Thursday after nearly eight years at the company.A former Microsoft official, Gundotra also has been responsible for mobile applications at Google. The company in an email confirmed his exit. In a blog post, Gundotra expressed gratitude to Google CEO Larry Page and the Google+ team. “This is a group of people who built social at Google against the skepticism of so many,” Gundotra said. “The growth of active users is staggering and speaks to the work of this team. But it doesn’t tell you what kind of people they are. They are invincible dreamers. I love them. And I will miss them dearly.But now it is “time for a new journey,” he said. “I am excited about what’s next. But this isn’t the day to talk about that. This is a day to celebrate the past eight years. To cry. And smile. And to look forward to the journey yet to come.” In a blog post of his own, Page thanked Gundotra for his service. “You cut your teeth on our mobile apps and developer relations, turning our disparate efforts into something great.”Google has been seen in the past as going to great lengths to promote Google+, even using its popular search platform for this purpose and practically requiring Google application users to set up accounts. The platform has had to compete with social network giants like Facebook and LinkedIn.This story, “Google+ creator Vic Gundotra quits,” was originally published at InfoWorld.com. Get the first word on what the important tech news really means with the InfoWorld Tech Watch blog. For the latest developments in business technology news, follow InfoWorld.com on Twitter. CareersTechnology Industry