The breakup of of the software giant would dampen the region's vibrant economy, but Bill Gates' home state should be able to weather the change without slipping into recession. A federal judge's breakup order doesn't seem to be fazing Microsoft employees at the company's headquarters here. Many workers said they expected the order to split the software giant into two parts, and are trying not to get distracted by the legal wrangling that's likely to continue for a year or two.
Workers also are hopeful about the case's eventual outcome.
But Golden, who has seen his personal wealth plummet in the last few weeks, added watching Microsoft's stock drop recently has been a bear. While Microsoft's employees aren't afraid to discuss the current situation, most workers seem to have no desire to talk to the press. Employees at the large, multi-acre Microsoft campus, as it's called, aren't milling around waiting to chat. In fact, most make a bee-line for their cars and drive away. He called the decision unprecedented, unwarranted and unjustified, but not unpredictable.