Syber News

This is a story that should surprise no one, but the Wall Street Journal still made it "news" on Saturday: Apple's iPhone is "forbidden fruit" on the Microsoft campus.

Numerous past stories point to the iPhone being an embarrassment for those caught with it at Microsoft, at least by a senior executive. After all, Bill Gates' children can't get an iPod or iPhone, Microsoft will only pay for the data plans of Windows Mobile phones, and CEO Steve Ballmer "confiscated" an iPhone at Microsoft's annual private company meeting in September of 2009.

Long ago, before the iPhone was launched, it was poor form to be using an iPod at the campus, as well.

While the disdain of Microsoft's execs at the iPhone is well-known, what might not be is the following incident:

At a retreat last March for dozens of senior Microsoft executives at its corporate campus, someone asked about employee use of iPhones in a question-and-answer period.

According to several people present, Andy Lees, a Microsoft senior vice president who oversees development of the mobile-phone software business, and his boss, Robbie Bach, explained that Microsoft workers often use rival products to better understand the competition (yeah, right).

Kevin Turner, chief operating officer, scoffed at that explanation, these people said. Mr. Turner said he discouraged Microsoft's sales force from using the iPhone, they added. "What's good for the field is good for Redmond," Mr. Turner said, recalls one of the people who heard his comments.

Meanwhile, Steve Ballmer told a story about how his father worked for Ford, and that his family always drove Fords. Of course, let's not forget that at the time Ballmer was a child, Ford was a dominant car company globally, not like now, and let's also not forget the discount employees would get for buying from "the company."

Meanwhile, some employees have taken a "better safe than sorry attitude."

One Microsoft worker said he knows several colleagues who try to disguise their iPhones with cases that make them look more like generic handsets.

"Maybe once a year I'm in a meeting with Steve Ballmer," said this employee. "It doesn't matter who's calling, I'm not answering my phone."

In January, Bill Gates appeared on "The Daily Show," and was asked by host Jon Stewart if he can have an iPhone since leaving full-time duties at Microsoft in 2008. "I'm a very loyal Microsoft user," Gates replied.

Watch a video of that appearance below:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Bill Gates
www.thedailyshow.com
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