Microsoft reported strong quarterly sales and profit growth yesterday, surprising Wall Street analysts with the sales of its core software products.The company, the world’s largest software maker, continues to trail well behind Google in the new markets for Internet services and online advertising. But the new versions of its lucrative personal computer businesses — the Windows Vista operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 — appear to be selling better than industry analysts anticipated.
http://nytimes.com/2007/10/26/technology/26soft.htmlAlso see:Halo effect gives Microsoft eight-year high
World’s largest software company saw profits soar to $4.29 billion through sales of Halo 3, Windows and OfficeThe success of the new Halo 3 video game has helped Microsoft post its strongest first quarter results in eight years, with profits soaring by 23 per cent.Fervent sales Windows and Office for the quarter ended September 30 also helped achieve profits of $4.29 billion, up from $3.48 billion the year before.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article2744334.ece