The figure is about the same as that reached in the third quarter of last year, and the second quarter of 2003, the company said in a statement.

It said total revenues are expected to be about 1.650 billion euros, a 0.7 percent rise from the previous quarter, but 3.0 percent lower than in the third quarter last year.

Third-quarter results are due to be published on October 16.

The forecast pushed SAP shares up by 8.87 percent to 123.89 euros in early afternoon trade here, while the DAX index of leading shares gained 1.86 percent.

SAP appears to be making a comeback after disappointing second-quarter results which saw software sales slip by 13 percent on an annual basis, and global revenues fall by eight percent.

A stronger euro has hurt the German firm, making its exported products more expensive compared to those priced in dollars, while slumping industrial investment has also undercut sales.

SPACE.WIRE