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June 9, 2008

Andy Lees, senior v.p. of Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business says the company’s success in the mobile segment has reached a milestone in 2008.

Microsoft says it is currently selling nearly 20 million Windows Mobile smartphone licenses.

Lees wrote that Windows Mobile is one of the most widely used smartphone software platforms in the world, comparing sales for the past four quarters to RIM and year-over-year growth with Apple’s iPhone.

Although Lees’ comments aren't an overt upstaging of Apple, he does thank the company’s 50 handset wireless partners for offering nearly 150 different mobile phone models, as well as the company’s 160 mobile operator partners.

Lees also congratulated developer partners who continue to innovate and bring new experiences to people and businesses every day. He added "it's because of you that our Windows Mobile customers have the richest application catalog to choose from; more than 18,000 applications to help pursue their hobbies, navigate life and work more efficiently.”

Many in the wireless industry have been quick to point out that back in February Microsoft said it would sell over 20 million licenses by the end of this fiscal year, or June 30. And the timing of Lees comments are also revealing, coming just days before Apple is expected to announce its next generation iPhone.

There is also a hint of rivalry as Lees said “more and more competitors are jumping into the smartphone market or announcing upgrades, with features we delivered to customers years ago.”

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Source: Microsoft.