Bangalore: IT services firm Sonata Software today (Oct 26, 2004) posted a net profit of Rs 3.96 crore for the second quarter ended September, a jump of 49 per cent over Rs 2.66 crore posted during the same period last year.

The Bangalore-based firm recorded revenue of Rs 24.26 crore, up by 57 per cent over Rs 15.48 crore posted during July to September 2003, a company statement said in Bangalore.

Sonata said it has added four new clients and 145 employees during the quarter, taking the total strength to 1,191 people.

"We have initiated steps to establish a software development and disaster recovery centre of around 78,000 sq ft at Hyderabad," officials said.

Sonata declared an interim dividend of 30 per cent for its shareholders.

"We had a good quarter in terms of growth. Even more exciting is the opportunity ahead of us to significantly scale up the relationship with existing customers and work in new technology areas," Sonata president and Managing Director B Ramaswamy said in the statement.