Microsoft to give Windows Phone 7 phones to every employee

At the MGX (Microsoft Global Exchange) conference today, Microsoft announced that it would be distributing Windows Phone 7 devices to every employee in the company.

Microsoft currently has around 90,000+ employees, and thats a lot of devices -- but may be worth the companies while -- as word of mouth marketing is the best the company can get at this point in the phones development.

Twitter has exploded with employees tweeting about MGX, with employees saying:

@simchabe: Woot. Every single microsoft employee will get a windows phone 7 #mgx #yam #smminds

@mitchellholder: Every #Microsoft employee will get a Windows Phone 7 ...phone. Announced today at #MGX. I'm not even there but I can feel the excitement.

@ChicagoLori: All Microsoft employees get a free Windows Phone at launch!!!! #MGX

Clearly the move is greatly welcomed by Microsoft employees who are as enthusiastic as we are about getting our hands on the devices later this year. Windows Phone 7 hit the "technical preview" stage earlier this week, meaning the software is nearing release. Many blogs and tech websites recieved Windows Phone 7 devices to review this week as well.

Update: Gizmodo has received an internal email from Andy Lees, Senior VP of Mobile:

"With all the buzz, a lot of you are asking how you can get your hands on a phone and get more involved. So, I am thrilled to announce that a new Windows Phone 7 will be made available to every Microsoft employee as we launch in each market around the world. The process will vary based on your market, your carrier, and your launch date so stay tuned for more information closer to launch."

Thanks to Big Boy for tipping us off on the forums.

Image Credit: Long Zheng (Flickr)