he reported Nelson also said that because of Microsoft’s multiple accounting software lines, "They are starting to suffer from the same lack of innovation Sage is." His kind words for the competition aside, Nelson said the third quarter ended September 30 was the best in the company's history. Revenue was $49.7 million, up 19.3 percent from $41.7 million. The company lost just under $7 million, a narrowing from just over $8 million in red ink in last year's corresponding period. The bottom line didn't improve more as NetSuite keeps spending into its growth. Nelson spoke from the Czech Republic where he had just opened a development office and said the company intends to hire 100 developers there over the next year. NetSuite has already had significant hiring of sales reps this year. Sales and marketing expenses hit $24.4 million, an increase of 25 percent from $19.5 million. Despite Nelson's pitch, analysts honed in on what they considered weak billings, which dented the day’s stock price.