Microsoft Malaysia aims to be among the top three in the country's smartphone market for next year.

Its Managing Director Ananth Lazarus, is optimistic over the target, saying, the company's newly launched smartphone Windows Phone 7, will be a key factor in the business.

"The smartphone market is growing in Malaysia. According to the analyst firm, GFK Retail and Technology, there was double-digit share growth for smartphones across Asia last year.

"GFK also noted the very competitive data plan rates offered by network operators in Malaysia and the considerable price reductions in South Korea," he told Bernama in an interview recently.

He also said these factors had made both countries, the leading Asian smartphone markets, with each achieving a market share growth of over 30 per cent.

The new Windows Phone 7 offers a completely different value proposition to "Life Maximisers", the spot between, those who want to use their smartphones for personal tasks and others for professional reasons, via the People Hub and the Office Hub.

Ananth is also confident that there will be an increase in the number of consumers looking for devices that complement their daily digital lifestyle.

"There is a good choice of models in the market that suit everyone's income level and demand requirements.

"This is from the tech savvy business users, to the social-network and new media enthusiasts," he added.

With the Windows Phone 7's Office Hub, consumers can view, edit, share and synchronise office documents on the go.

It has mobile versions of word, excel, and powerpoint on hand for reviewing or editing, while SharePoint Workspace Mobile, makes it easier to collaborate among co-workers.

Source : Bernama