William Harris acknowledged that his company decided to add Microsoft's Internet Explorer to its "Quicken" money management programme because the company had a version that met its needs, not just because Microsoft could provide other benefits to his company.

Harris has testified he felt compelled to choose Microsoft's product over Netscape Communications Corp.'s browser so his company could win a place on Microsoft's coveted "desktop" space.

The justice department and 19 states allege that Microsoft used a monopoly on its Windows operating system to compete unfairly with others and in particular that it blunted competition from Netscape.

Harris acknowledged under cross-examination that his company switched from the Netscape browser when it turned out that Microsoft was far more likely to provide what Intuitneeded in a timely way.

"Was Microsoft more likely to meet your time restraints" than Netscape?" asked Microsoft lead lawyer John Warden.

"That's correct," replied Harris.

Microsoft delivered a Web browser that was "componentized", that is was broken into convenient building blocks that Intuit could use as it saw fit with Quicken.

Netscape was unable to meet the deadlines to provide its version of a componentized system.

In testimony earlier in the trial, America Online Inc. senior executive David Colburn said his company had chosen Microsoft over Netscape not only because of a componetized browser, but also to win a place on the Windows desktop that users see when they turn on their computer.

Harris was the 11th of 12 government witnesses as the landmark antitrust trial against Microsoft begins its 10th week after a two week recess for the holidays.

Intuit, like some other companies, is both a partner and a rival of Microsoft. Intuit's Quicken competes with the Microsoft "Money"programme.

Harris said earlier Monday that Compaq Computer Corp. broke a contract with his firm to put Quicken on its desktop, so it could use Microsoft's "Money."

Harris did not testify about why Compaq might have broken the contract, but made the larger point that Microsoft has a "choke point" that affects other hardware and software makers in the personal computer arena and can bend them to its will.

"Compaq was going to abrogate the contract with us," Harris testified for the government. "We complained to Compaq and they told us that was simply the way things were."

Eventually, Intuit made a deal so that its Quicken programme and Microsoft's "Money" programme would both be provided on Compaq's computers. Harris said Intuit did not sue Compaq.