Microsoft is due to report its fiscal first-quarter results shortly.

The software giant is expected to post earnings of 55 cents per share, up from last year’s 40 cents per share. Revenue is likely to increase by 22.5% to $15.8 billion, up from $12.9 billion in the same period last year. The expecations were set by Factset Research who polled Wall Street analysts recently.

Microsoft’s successful operating system Windows 7, is expected to boost the earnings results. Microsoft recently revealed that Windows 7 has sold over 240 million licenses since being on sale for a year. According to IDC, 90% of business customers have plans to roll out Windows 7 over the next two years. The software maker also revealed that Office 2010 has sold more than six million copies since its release in June. Office 2010 is officially the fastest-selling consumer version of Office in history.

Microsoft’s Halo franchise will also drive earnings up. Halo Reach, the latest hit in the Halo series, hit $200 million in sales on its first day of release on September 14. The figure was a record for the franchise. Halo Reach, as of October 16th, 2010, has sold 5.55 million copies.