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Verizon's CTO says that Windows Phone 7 isn't quite ready to take on the big boys


Perhaps Verizon still has a bad taste in its mouth after the Microsoft Kin debacle, but the company's chief technology officer isn't too keen on Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 (WP7) platform.
Despite Microsoft and Nokia joining forces to create a powerful smartphone platform to take on the likes of Apple (iOS) and Google (Android), Verizon CTO Tony Melone is a bit apprehensive of WP7's chances of success in the smartphone market
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"I do want a strong third OS out there. It gives the carriers more flexibility and balances the interests of all the parties,” said Melone in an interview with CNET. “But I still have doubts whether Microsoft will get the traction they are hoping for with Windows Phone 7."
Melone went on to add that it has strong partnerships with devices makers like Samsung, HTC, Motorola, and Apple. Apple is Verizon's latest conquest, with the iPhone4 recently making its debut on the company's CDMA network.
With this strong portfolio, Melone continued, "I think it would take a really compelling device from Nokia or any new vendor to break in. It doesn't mean that it can't happen, but it would have to be really good.
"I don't think Verizon needs the Nokia and Microsoft relationship. Right now the three OS players we see for our network are Android, Apple, and RIM. "
What seems so odd about this commentary is that Verizon will begin selling a WP7 device starting this spring. Talking negatively about an operating system that you will soon be selling doesn’t seem like a wise move, no matter how diplomatic the words being used are delivered.