Microsoft responds to racism charge

Microsoft has responded to court action instigated by seven current and former staff alleging racial discrimination.

In a statement, Deborah Willingham, the firm's vice president of Human Resources says that Microsoft has a zero tolerance policy toward discrimination and has worked hard to create a truly multicultural workforce.

The lawsuit - filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia - alleged discrimination in evaluations, promotions, wrongful termination and retaliation.

Willingham says that such allegations are taken very seriously and that any concerns raised are rigorously investigated.

But she adds that the firm has not had time to review the specific federal court complaint for immediate comment.