The US's largest software firm Microsoft, which employs around 900 people in Ireland, has reported an 85 per cent jump in third quarter profit to $1.04 billion (£65 million), well beyond analysts expectations, on strength in its core business, including sales of its Office 97 upgrade.

Microsoft chief financial officer Mr Mike Brown reiterated that he expects results in the current fourth quarter to be similar to the quarter ended March 31st, which he termed "sizzling."