Windows Phone Thoughts: Microsoft to Employees, Code Away!

"Develop! With the help of the developer division, we just shipped the Final Beta of the Windows Phone Developer Tools. They absolutely rock, and you should download them now. The package includes everything you need to start building apps. In addition, we've introduced a new employee developer program which makes it much easier for you to develop apps for Marketplace in your spare time. ... And if you need some help jumpstarting your development, check out the Windows Phone Developer Training Kit. ... Get involved in launch. Dedicate time to get involved as WP7 launches in your market. ..."

After the recent news that Microsoft would be providing each of its 90,000 or so employees with a Windows Phone, I wondered what the primary motivations behind such a move were. This has apparently been cleared up in a letter from the Microsoft mobile chief Andy Lees. In a letter to all employees, Lees implores his employees to evangelize the platform. More importantly, Lees encourages all employees to use their skills to develop applications for the platform. Read the full letter by following the link below.