That may be another reason why the option-laden Microsofties in Washington are looking so tense.

ECONOMIST: The world��s biggest software company has had a bad trial

After the first product debuts on Windows Server 2003 next month, some 4, 000 Microsofties will begin building applications for the new server.

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Smith has Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer's blessing to instill collaboration among all Microsofties--even if it has to be drilled into them in strict legalese.

FORBES: Let's Be Friends

An oft-heard statistic while I was in Silicon Valley was that the Bay Area and Seattle (where Microsofties multiply) were the America's biggest consumers of pizza, Levi's and triple lattes.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Asia Buzz: It Still Isn't Very There Here

Example: Most Microsofties under 40 would identify as left-libertarian.

FORBES: Libertarians Rising