Mr Kevin Dillon, managing director of Microsoft's European Operations Centre in Dublin, echoes the open letter in which Microsoft chairman Mr Bill Gates addressed customers, partners and shareholders last Friday. "Our position is that this was a finding of fact and is just the first step in what could be a lengthy process," he says. "It really is business as usual for us here in Ireland."

While he describes the company as being "respectful of any finding", he notes that "we're very disappointed and strongly disagree with the aspect of the finding that said Microsoft didn't benefit but rather, harmed consumers".

Mr Dillon will not comment on the possible negative outcomes of the ongoing trial - the break-up of the company or other punishments - but acknowledges that customers, partners and potential employees will be likely to raise the issue of the finding in coming weeks.

Microsoft is sticking with the line that there is nothing to discuss until the trial process is completed and Mr Dillon says Microsoft Ireland has no plans to directly address the issue "other than to reiterate our commitment to the consumer" and product innovation.

He says Microsoft has kept its 1,500 employees in the Republic informed about the trial.

He believes Irish employees are passionate about working for Microsoft and does not believe the trial has affected their feelings for the company.

But he accepts that it could have a negative impact on hiring - particularly with potential employees concerned about possible volatility in the price of Microsoft shares they would receive as part of a hiring package.

"Obviously it's a difficult thing to have out there and it's a tight employment market," he says.