Fred Business News-  Software giant Microsoft Corp. announced its fiscal third-quarter earnings Thursday, posting a quarterly profit that beat expectations thanks to strong sales of server software and Xbox 360 game consoles.

Microsoft also offered fiscal 2009 guidance that topped Wall Street's estimates.

Microsoft's net income fell to $4.4 billion, or 47 cents per share, down 11% from year ago results. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were looking for 44 cents per share.

Sales rose negligibly to $14.5 billion, roughly meeting analysts' forecasts.

But Microsoft ...   more »