A federal judge has ordered Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer to testify in a class-action lawsuit challenging the company's marketing of its Windows Vista operating system.

U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman ruled earlier this year that consumers could pursue a class action suit against Microsoft for labeling some PCs as "Vista Capable," even though many were not powerful enough to run all of Vista's features.

Microsoft had opposed the motion to depose Ballmer. But Pechman wrote Friday that plaintiffs had shown that Ballmer may have had unique knowledge of the "Vista Capable" program.

Ballmer must give a deposition in the next 30 days.

A Microsoft spokesman says the company will comply with the order.

Posted by CEOinIRVINE
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