Is Microsoft planning an Opera Mini-type proxy browser solution for Windows Phone 7?

In a recent job post Microsoft is looking for an engineer to help optimise and shape traffic between Windows Phone 7 devices and the internet, with the aim of having “end users see Windows Phone as the fastest on the network.”

This aim, which would be achieved in cooperation with partners like “the Browser team on WP7 and our Mobile Operator partners” would use “a highly scalable, reliable and performing service” that required “expertise in Caching techniques on Wireless data networks”.

The post strongly suggests a proxy-type service such as used by Opera for its Opera Mini product, a solution that works very well, but raises serious issues about privacy and data security. 

It would however also provide Microsoft with the ability to optimise data traffic on increasingly information-hungry Windows phones, which is attractive to operators and handset battery life alike.

See the full job post after the break.

Are you passionate about seeing Windows Phone succeed in market by delivering a great online user experiences? Do you have an eye for quality for Windows Phone, large scale and highly performing online services, have expertise in Caching techniques on Wireless data networks and a passion for customer experience? If you answered yes to all of the prior questions then the “Context and Network Services” (CoNS) test team in Windows Phone Services (WPS) is the place for you. You can join us and be a part of a high energy team whose charter is focused on improving the online user experiences for Windows Phone by optimizing traffic between WP devices and the Internet.

The WPS “CoNS” test team is looking for an exceptionally technical Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) who is passionate around Windows Phone in delivering a highly scalable, reliable and performing service that shapes traffic on wireless networks to have end users see Windows Phone as the fastest on the network. Candidates should have a keen sense of customer satisfaction and be comfortable working with our Development, Program management and Partners like the Browser team on WP7 and our Mobile Operator partners to effectively drive the continued improvement in the quality of our services.

As a SDET on our team, you will also provide direct feedback on product and design specifications. You will demonstrate your skills in test planning, design, development, coordination of the testing for integrated systems in a fast-paced, challenging environment. In addition to duties associated with feature testing, you will also be expected to partner closely with our partners (internal & external to Microsoft) to plan and implement a solid integration story for your components. This is a critical Technical IC SDET role that will have a large, cross company impact across mobile ecosystem.

Do our readers agree with out interpretation or are we over reaching a bit? Also would our readers find such a service acceptable? Let us know below.