The 300-strong Irish team working on the soon-to-be-released Microsoft Office 2000 suite signed off on the finished version of the product this week. The process of localising 21 different language versions of the software, which is due for global release in June, began early last year. The undertaking is the largest software localisation project of the calendar year for Microsoft.

Speaking at the sign off, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, described it as another opportunity to show that the Republic can be a world leader. "It also shows that Ireland is the right location for companies like Microsoft, particularly as we move into the world of electronic commerce."