Microsoft Corporation, the world’s largest software maker, reported its fiscal third quarter profit that topped estimates on better than expected sales of software for businesses.

The company announced its fiscal third-quarter performance on Thursday. Microsoft Corporation earned $5.1 billion or 60 cents per share, during the three months ending in March. That was down from net income of $5.2 billion, or 61 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 6 percent from last year to $17.4 billion.

Microsoft benefited from flourishing corporate purchasing of office productivity programs, Windows 7 operating systems and software for servers. The company plans to release its new version of operating system (Windows 8), later this year.

Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer said, “We're driving toward exciting launches across the entire company, while delivering strong financial results”.

According to a report, Microsoft shares mounted as much as 3.2 percent to $32 in extended trading.