Shares of the world's largest software company, Microsoft Corp, as sluggish personal computer sales dampened demand for Windows software and the company struggled with the impact of the strong U.S. dollar, which have surged to 14 year highs in the past few months, fell 3 percent in after-hours trading, to $45.63.
A recurring theme for Microsoft since last summer's "One Microsoft" reorganization has been its aim to break down the divisions between product groups, and Update 1 promises to be a step in that direction, with its focus on bringing Microsoft's desktop and mobile OSes in closer alignment. Though Threshold is not expected to see daylight until 2015, we're including it in this year's roadmap because it's looking increasingly like an extension of the unified-platform vision that is driving Windows 8.1 Update 1.
Microsoft said its revenue from sales of its software to companies rose 7% to $12.23 billion. The company's sales of email and word processing tools, computer servers, telecom systems and other essential corporate technology generate the majority of the company's gross profit. Investors closely watch how well revenue is holding up from this crucial base of commercial customers. Revenue rose 12% to $8.3 billion from Microsoft's sales to consumers of products including Windows software for PCs, the Surface tablet and its Xbox videogame console.
