Microsoft has revealed figures this week which indicate it has taken a significant step forward in the mobile telecoms market.

The firm has announced that more than 1.5 million Windows Phone 7 devices have been sold in the six weeks since the smartphone was launched.

In comparison Apple are said to have sold 3 million iPhones in the first three weeks. And there are 300,000 Android devices being activated daily.

Microsoft said the sales figures are in line with their expectations and hope for long-term success for the mobile operating system.

Handset makers began selling Windows Phone 7 devices to European customers in October, and a month later in the US.

Devices which run the operating system are currently made by HTC, Samsung, Dell and LG.

Marcus Evans presents telecoms and IT events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts

Telecoms giant Vodafone has announced a deal with Unilever to manage its mobile products and services across 63 countries.

Vodafone Global Enterprise will supply 50,000 mobile phones for around a third of Unilever’s staff. The move is part of a deal to improve cost effectiveness and service delivery levels.

Part of the offering includes Vodafone Telecoms Management which is a service designed to reduce the complexity of mobile operations.

In addition Vodafone will provide consultants to help Unilever learn which parts of their business could gain from mobile services.

The companies will also run a graduate trainee exchange which Vodafone hopes "will encourage mobile innovation in the workplace."

Vodafone Global Enterprise currently works with companies such as household appliance firm Whirlpool and GPS manufacturer TomTom.

Marcus Evans presents telecoms and IT events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.