Microsoft 'preparing for software evolution'

Microsoft is investing heavily in research and development as it prepares for a software revolution, Bill Gates told the North's Economy Minister Nigel Dodds at a meeting in the US today.

The Democratic Unionist minister, who is visiting the US to prepare for the Stormont Executive's conference in May aimed at American businessmen, met Mr Gates an the event in Washington and thanked him for his corporation's investment in the North.

After his encounter with the US hi-tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr Dodds said: "The chairman of Microsoft was insightful in his vision of future advancement in computer technology and he spoke of a 'revolution in software coming' and predicted future technological changes will be profound."

"Mr Gates told the audience that Microsoft is investing heavily in research and development.

"This confirms that Northern Ireland is on the right track by offering inward investors one of the most attractive support packages available in Europe, with cash grants for R&D.

"American companies will have the opportunity to see, at first hand, the advances being made in R&D, as well as the strategic commercial partnerships between our universities and business, during the two day US NI Investment Conference in May."

The breakfast meeting was organised by the United States' largest technology council, the Northern Virginia Technology Council in the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, and Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson will meet US President George Bush at the White House during St Patrick's Day celebrations on Monday.

Ministers will also host the Northern Ireland Bureau's St Patrick's Day breakfast at the US Chamber of Commerce in the capital.

Guests will include leading US business and political figures ahead of this spring's economic and investment conference in Belfast.

Mr McGuinness and Mr Donaldson will attend House of Representatives' Speaker Nancy Pelosi's lunch on Capitol Hill, alongside Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and US President Bush.

Mr McGuinness will also visit Georgetown University's BMW Center for European Studies, speaking on resolving conflict in the 21st Century.

Junior Minister Donaldson will also be meeting the Department of Commerce and the Department of Justice to discuss victims' issues.