Bolstered by an 'exceptional demand' for its new operating system Windows 7, software major Microsoft's profit soared 60 per cent to $6.66 billion in the last three months of 2009.
Microsoft raked in record revenues to the tune of $19.02 billion for the second quarter ended December 31, 2009. The amount represents a jump of 14 per cent as compared to the same period a year ago.
"Exceptional demand for Windows 7 led to the positive top-line growth for the company," Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer Peter Klein said in a statement on Thursday.
"Our continuing commitment to managing costs allowed us to drive earnings performance ahead of the revenue growth," Klein added.
The company had a profit of $4.18 billion in the three months ended December 31, 2008.
The latest financial results include recognition of $1.71 billion of deferred revenue and charges related to the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Programme and pre-sales of Windows 7 to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and retailers before general availability.
Windows 7 was launched worldwide in October 2009. In the December quarter, over 60 million Windows 7 licenses were sold.
"This is a record quarter for Windows units. We are thrilled by the consumer reception to Windows 7 and by business enthusiasm to adopt Windows 7," Microsoft's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner said.
