Microsoft reviews its hiring plans

The shaky economy may even be affecting Microsoft, which is now reviewing its hiring plans for the coming year. The world's largest software company, however, denied reports it had instituted a company-wide hiring freeze.

"Given the current economic environment, we are taking the prudent step of reviewing our hiring plans and will make some adjustments as appropriate," said Microsoft spokesman Lou Gellos. The company, which employs more than 91,000 people around the world, said it plans to grow and add thousands of new jobs this year while acknowledging the need to be careful.

Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said last week that the company is not immune to the global financial crisis and that he expects the software giant will see a decline in business.

For more on Microsoft's plans:
 - check out this Reuters article