Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is scheduled to make his first appearance on the witness stand next week as part of the continuing antitrust trial, the company said Friday.
Gates is scheduled to appear following the conclusion of testimony from David Cole, senior vice president of the MSN and Personal Services Group.
Cole, the first Microsoft executive to appear on the company"s behalf during this portion of the antitrust case, took the stand late Thursday. His testimony is expected to conclude on Monday.
"Bill Gates is glad to have the opportunity to testify in the remedy proceedings," said Microsoft spokesman Jim Desler.
"He will address the evolution of the PC industry and the critical role Microsoft, PC manufacturers and independent software vendors have played in making computing accessible to consumers and making technology an engine for economic growth."
Gates" appearance next week would be his first in-person appearance at the trial. In the main portion of the trial, Gates appeared in a videotaped deposition.