Microsoft-sponsored study says software business accounts for half of all IT-related jobs in EMEA LISBON – Leaving no doubt of Microsoft Corp.’s determination to win the markets and minds of European governments, the company unveiled results of a survey Tuesday claiming that software is the main driver of IT job creation and revenue in the region.According to a Microsoft-sponsored study conducted by researcher IDC, the software business accounts for roughly half of all IT-related jobs in the 19 countries within EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) surveyed, and generates half of IT tax revenue. The survey results were released at the opening of the company’s Capital Executive Partner summit in Lisbon, and were aimed at underscoring the economic impact that the software industry has in Europe at a time when Microsoft is currently waging an appeal against the European Commission’s landmark anticompetition ruling against it.While the Commission ruled in March that the Redmond, Washington, software maker had abused its dominance in the PC operating systems market to gain an edge in other markets, Microsoft’s message on Tuesday was that its active role in Europe is critical to the economy here. According to the IDC study, IT-related activities in 2004 accounted for 9 million jobs in the countries surveyed and generated more than $200 billion in tax receipts, with software driving the market. Over the next four years, the IT industry in EMEA is expected to create 2 million jobs and bring in $160 billion in tax revenue. “Software represents a disproportionate amount of the economic impact the IT market has on EMEA,” said IDC analyst Thomas Vavra in a speech unveiling the survey results.Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer hammered on the point, saying in a statement that the survey results underscore how Microsoft’s business model supports a vibrant IT economy.Ballmer is slated to speak at the summit later Tuesday afternoon, where he is expected to emphasize the importance of the company’s partnerships in the region. IDC is a division of International Data Group Inc., the parent company of IDG News Service. Software DevelopmentTechnology IndustrySmall and Medium Business