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The attorney-general of Fiji, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, wrote a strongly-worded letter to the recently-departed Microsoft founder demanding that the name not be used for a future product from the company. Fuji is the codename for a coming update to Windows Media Center.

Sayed-Khaiyum warned Gates that "the Government unreservedly objects to the use of the word Fiji in connection with Microsoft

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Corporation's operating system or any of its products," perhaps anticipating a Vista-like lukewarm reception tarnishing the county's burgeoning tourist industry.

However, Microsoft backed down in the face of Fiji's threats, quickly claiming that it never intended to use the name anyway.

Windows Fiji "is not intended to be used in an external marketing context," claims Windows Client Business Group manager, Ben Green, speaking to the Fiji Times.

"Like a lot of companies, we use various internal project names. In this case, I understand it reflects the project team's affection for Fiji as a great country to visit," says Green, hoping to placate the fuming Fijian figurehead.

"The product is designed to add new television standards support, enhance the user interface and set up experience, and add interactive TV features to Windows Media Centre," continues Green.