Accenture Ltd.'s second quarter profits surged 37 percent, sending the technology services company's shares more than four percent higher.

The Bermuda-based global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company said more clients are relying on outsources to run its businesses more effectively in a challenging economy.

The company booked $6.44 billion of new business in the quarter, fuelled by record bookings for consulting work.

Accenture said revenue grew in every category and in all three regions where the company operates - the Americas; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific.

Accenture also raised its 2008 earnings outlook to $2.55 to $2.60 a share, from a prior projection of $2.36 to $2.41 a share.

Shares of Accenture rose $1.55, or 4.4 percent, to $37 in aftermarket activity. Earlier in the day they rose nine cents to close at $35.45.