The natural assumption when any company is deemed to be withholding sales figures is that the product in question is hardly likely to be performing spectacularly.

That's certainly been the case when it comes to Windows Phone 7, with most of the coverage in the press post launch focusing on supposed consumer apathy for the platform on both sides of the Atlantic.

The revelation that Microsoft shipped 1.5 million units to retail within the platform's first six weeks on the market, therefore, does help to cast some light on the situation, even if it doesn't deal with the real issue – just how many people have actually gone on to purchase said handsets.

The numbers game

Nonetheless, in a blog post detailing the figures, corporate VP for mobile communications, business and marketing Achim Berg said shipments to date have been in line with the Microsoft's expectations.

"Our numbers are similar to the performance of other first generation mobile platforms," said Berg.

"We introduced a new platform with Windows Phone 7, and when you do that it takes time to educate partners and consumers on what you're delivering, and drive awareness and interest in your new offering.

"We're comfortable with where we are, and we are here for the long run; Windows Phone 7 is just the beginning."

Of course, by detailing shipment figures rather than actual sales, Microsoft has made it far harder to compare its performance to that of the competition – whether in their current form, or when the original handsets launched.

It's estimated that iPhone 4 sold more than 1.5 million during its first day on sale, yet the first iPhone – launched back in June 2007 – took well over two months to pass the 1 million mark.

Developer developments

What might well prove more important than initial sales, however, is the level of developer support Windows Phone 7 has fostered to date – and this is one area where Microsoft and Berg alike appear quite bullish.

"On the developer side, our tools are really good and leverage the skills they already have," he added.

"Developers are validating that the tools make it easy to make great apps and games quickly – we have more than 4,000 apps in our marketplace.

"With more pouring in daily, this is an enviable pace for any new platform."

[source: Microsoft]