Network computer maker Sun Microsystems last night reported a 44 per cent rise in second-quarter sales and profits that met Wall Street expectations.

Sun said operating earnings, excluding one-time items, were $552 million after $354 million a year ago.

Sales at the Palo Alto, California-based firm, which employs 250 people on strategic software development in Dublin, rose to $5.12 billion from $3.55 billion in the quarter a year ago.