In an interview, Connors also pointed to strong performance by the company's server and tools unit during the just-ended quarter. Operating income for that unit rose to $2.52 billion, compared with $2.15 billion a year earlier.

"We've been joking internally (that) our server and tools business is comparable to the New England Patriots in the NFL playoffs -- they just don't lose."  (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050127/earns_microsoft_12.html)