Cloud based data management

Microsoft is claiming something of a PR win over arch rival Apple, after a senior exec reportedly revealed that its Windows Phone devices are outselling the iPhone in China after just two months.

Redmond’s COO for Greater China, Michel van der Bel, told Dutch business title Emerce that the platform has a market share of seven per cent, around one per cent higher than the iPhone.

Stats from Beijing-based market watcher Analysys International released last month put Android out in front with just shy of 70 per cent and iOS with 5.7 per cent, as of Q4 2011.

Given the figures from Microsoft are unconfirmed it’s probably best to take them with a small pinch of salt at the moment, although if accurate would represent an impressive start after only launching in the world’s biggest mobile phone market in March.

Van de Bel reportedly told Emerce that Microsoft has been able to respond to the consumerisation of IT trend better than most, driving increased sales.

For Apple, the stats will be a disappointment but not unexpected.

To really increase market share in the PRC it would need to either produce a budget handset or finally agree to build 3G handsets capable of operating on China Mobile’s home-grown TD-SCDMA standard – both unlikely, despite reports it has been recently engaged in talks with the operator.

China Mobile is the largest mobile phone company in the world by customer base, with over 70 per cent of the 1bn+ users that comprise its domestic market.

Apple will also take heart from the fact that, as of yet, there are no reports of Windows Phone fanatics in China offering to exchange organs, or even their virginity, for a handset. ®

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