It looks like Microsoft wants all its employees to use its new Windows Phone 7 platform, as the company has announced that it will be giving each one of its 89,000 employees a Windows Phone 7 smartphone.
Microsoft will be giving the Windows Phone 7 devices to its employees by Christmas, so I guess that is a good way to boost the Windows Phone 7 sales just after launch.
Strategic Move to Promote Windows Phone 7
This strategic move by Microsoft is not just a generous gesture but also a calculated marketing strategy. By equipping its vast workforce with the new Windows Phone 7, Microsoft aims to create a large base of users who are familiar with the platform. This internal adoption can lead to valuable feedback and improvements, making the product more robust for the general market. Additionally, employees using the device in their daily lives can act as brand ambassadors, showcasing the phone’s features to friends, family, and professional networks.
The Windows Phone 7 platform was designed to compete with other major smartphone operating systems like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. By ensuring that a significant number of people are using the device right from the start, Microsoft hopes to create a ripple effect that will increase its market share.
Cost Implications and Potential Benefits
It should end up costing Microsoft a fair bit to give out all these smartphones to all their employees, although we suppose a free smartphone might persuade some of their employees to stop using iPhones. The cost of providing 89,000 smartphones is substantial, but the potential benefits could outweigh the expenses. For instance, if each employee demonstrates the phone to just a few people, the word-of-mouth marketing could be invaluable.
Moreover, this move can also be seen as an investment in employee satisfaction and productivity. Having a standardized device across the company can streamline internal communications and make it easier to deploy company-wide applications and updates. Employees will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest technology, which can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in their roles.
Another aspect to consider is the potential for increased app development. With a large number of employees using the Windows Phone 7, there is a higher likelihood that developers within the company will create new and innovative applications for the platform. This can lead to a richer app ecosystem, making the phone more attractive to external consumers.
In addition to these benefits, Microsoft can also gather a wealth of data on how the phones are used in real-world scenarios. This data can be invaluable for future updates and iterations of the device, ensuring that the company remains competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone market.
Overall, while the initial cost of providing 89,000 smartphones is high, the long-term benefits in terms of marketing, employee satisfaction, productivity, and app development could make this a very smart move for Microsoft.
via Slash Gear
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