year 2005, offset by a $663 million decline in Upgrade Advantage earned revenue. 

Information Worker operating income increased in fiscal year 2006 primarily due to the revenue growth, partially offset by a $283 million or 15% increase in sales and marketing expenses related to supporting field sales efforts and a $71 million or 10% increase in research and development expenses. Headcount-related costs increased 14% during fiscal year 2006 reflecting both an 18% increase in headcount related to supporting field sales efforts and research and development investments in future products and an increase in salaries and benefits for existing headcount, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense. Information Worker operating income growth for fiscal year 2005 was primarily due to the revenue growth and a $304 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense. Operating expenses were also impacted by a reduction in marketing campaign costs from the previous period associated with the launch of Office 2003. This decline was offset by an increase in headcount-related costs as a result of an increase in headcount and an increase in salaries and benefits for existing headcount. 

 

Microsoft Business Solutions 

 

Microsoft Business Solutions provides business management software solutions targeted to businesses of varying sizes. The main products consist of enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) solutions, customer relationship management (“CRM”) software, retail solutions, Microsoft Partner Program (“MSPP”), and related services. Microsoft Business Solutions also includes the Small





 

 

 

and Mid-market Solutions and Partners (“SMS&P”), which focuses on sales to customers and partners in the small and mid-market customer segments. Revenue is derived from software and services sales, with software sales representing a significant amount of total revenue. Software revenues include both new software licenses and enhancement plans, which provide customers with future software upgrades over the period of the plan. Our solutions are delivered through a worldwide network of channel partners that provide services and local support. 

Microsoft Business Solutions revenue increased in fiscal year 2006 driven by new users for Microsoft CRM and existing Dynamics ERP customers purchasing functionality and user licenses. The increase in Microsoft Business Solutions revenue in fiscal year 2005 was mainly due to 10% revenue growth in software partially offset by 25% decline in services revenue. The software revenue increase was driven by 9% growth in license revenue and 16% growth in enhancement revenue and was attributed to growth in ERP and CRM solutions and an increase in MSPP subscriptions. 

Microsoft Business Solutions operating income increased in fiscal year 2006 reflecting the increase in revenue accompanied by a $56 million decrease in sales and marketing expense as a result of decreased net SMS&P spending. Headcount-related costs increased 3% reflecting both a 10% increase in headcount and an increase in salaries and benefits for existing headcount, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense.