$2 million to our revenue growth in fiscal 2008. Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, the Americas contributed 39%, EMEA contributed 36% and Asia Pacific contributed 25% to the increase in education revenues.

 

Excluding the effect of unfavorable currency rate fluctuations of 7 percentage points, education expenses increased due to higher personnel related expenses during the first half of fiscal 2008 and were partially offset by lower personnel related expenses in the second half of fiscal 2008 as a result of restructuring actions taken. Education expenses also increased due to third party contractor expenses and royalty fees associated with increased revenues and included $2 million of incremental expenses from BEA. Education margin as a percentage of revenues increased slightly in fiscal 2008 as revenue growth exceeded expense growth.



Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006:   Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, education revenues grew in fiscal 2007 primarily due to an increase in customer training on the use of our application products, as well as $5 million of incremental revenues from Hyperion. The Americas contributed 46%, EMEA contributed 26% and Asia Pacific contributed 28% to the increase in education revenues.

 

Excluding the effects of currency rate fluctuations, education expenses increased in fiscal 2007 due to incremental headcount and associated personnel related expenditures, as well as higher third party contractor expenses and royalty fees associated with increased revenues. Education expenses also included $3 million of incremental expenses from Hyperion. Total education margin as a percentage of revenues decreased as expenses grew at a higher rate than revenues.

 

Research and Development Expenses:   Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel related expenditures. We intend to continue to invest significantly in our research and development efforts because, in our judgment, they are essential to maintaining our competitive position.



Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007:   Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, research and development expenses increased in fiscal 2008 due to higher employee related expenses associated with higher headcount levels, including higher stock-based compensation expenses, and $46 million of increased expenses pertaining to certain legal-related matters. Our growth in research and development expenses included $15 million from BEA in fiscal 2008. The increase in our headcount was the combined result of our recent acquisitions and our hiring of additional resources to develop new functionality for our existing products. Research and development headcount as of the end of fiscal 2008 increased by approximately 2,550 employees in comparison to fiscal 2007, and included approximately 950 employees from BEA.

 

Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006:   Excluding the effect of currency rate fluctuations, research and development expenses increased due to higher salary and benefits expenses associated with higher headcount levels, increased stock-based compensation expenses due to our adoption of Statement 123(R) at the beginning