Microsoft Revenue Jumps 6 Percent Ahead of Windows 8 Launch
"We’re driving toward exciting launches across the entire company, while delivering strong financial results," said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft. "With the upcoming release of new Windows 8 PCs and tablets, the next version of Office, and a wide array of products and services for the enterprise and consumers, we will be delivering exceptional value to all our customers in the year ahead."

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Microsoft's Windows and Windows Live Division posted revenue of $4.62 billion, up 4 percent from the same quarter one year ago. According to Microsoft, Windows 7 is now installed on 40 percent of all PCs around the world.
The Redmond software giant also noted gains in its Server & Tools business (up 14 percent to $4.57 billion), Microsoft Business Division (up 9 percent to $5.81 billion), and Online Services Division (up 6 percent to $707 million). Serving as a sort of wet blanket on top of overall performance, Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division declined 16 percent to $1.62 billion, the result of a "soft gaming console market." Even still, the "Xbox remained the top-selling console in the U.S. for the 15th consecutive month," Microsoft said.