14 DAY TRIAL // CEO Steve Ballmer wants Microsoft to go beyond the software concept it embraced a long time ago and become a devices and services company which develops many other products beside apps.
The company’s Q2 2013 financial results reveal a significant growth in demand when it comes to Microsoft services, as Office 365 is becoming a much more appealing solution for many enterprises across the world.
The revenue posted by the Online Services Division grew 9 percent, while the Entertainment and Devices Division increased its previous results by 8 percent.
“We continue to see strong demand for our enterprise products and services, with more and more customers making long-term commitments to the Microsoft platform,” said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer at Microsoft.
“The growing adoption of our cloud services, including Office 365, Windows Azure and Dynamics CRM, continues to demonstrate our leadership position in the cloud.”
Steve Ballmer has also explained that despite today’s results, he expects Microsoft to boost revenues in the coming months, especially because the company will soon launch the new Windows 8.1 and updates for the Surface RT and Pro.
“We are working hard to deliver compelling new devices and high value experiences from Microsoft and our partners in the coming months, including new Windows 8.1 tablets and PCs,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft.
“Our new products and the strategic realignment we announced last week position us well for long-term success, as we focus our energy and resources on creating a family of devices and services for individuals and businesses that empower people around the globe at home, at work and on the go, for the activities they value the most.”
According to unconfirmed reports, Windows 8.1 is expected to hit the market sometime in August in RTM form, while general availability should be announced soon after that.
At the same time, Microsoft is also believed to be working on the second-generation Surface tablet that should see daylight this year in October, just in time for the holiday season. Rumor has it that Microsoft will also launch an 8-inch device running Windows 8.1 that would compete against the likes of iPad mini and Nexus 7.