Microsoft building Dr Watson into Windows Phone 7 also

Microsoft has made a big deal about the amount of testing Windows Phone 7 has underdone, claiming half million hours of active self-hosting use, over three and a half million hours of stress test passes, and eight and a half million hours of fully automated tests passes.

It seems from a recent job post at Microsoft Careers they intend for this testing to continue well after the product has been launched and in consumer hands.

The job post talks about a “grander vision is to drive up reliability, device health and battery life metrics via the use of telemetry data”, using data, “for the first time, shared out to partner OEMs and Mobile Operators to provide insight to their phones and operational quality.”

It seems their ambition on this occasion stretches much beyond just crash data, to include aspects such as battery life. Of course one can envision a more sinister aspect, with Microsoft for example sharing application and website usage statistics with the carriers, in an attempt to drive upselling to consumers.

Hopefully however this spy in our Windows phones will be 100% on our side, rather than anyone else 🙂

Read the full job post after the break.

Software Development Engineer, Principal – Windows Phone (734188) Job

Date: Sep 24, 2010

Location: Redmond, WA, US

Job Category: Software Engineering: Development
Location: United States, WA, Redmond
Job ID: 734188 26498
Division: Entertainment & Devices Division

The much anticipated Windows Phone 7 is here, do you want to be part of the success that will change Microsoft’s standing in the smartphone race? The stakes are high, and this is the ultimate place to define the next monumental moment in Microsoft’s history.

The Windows Phone Telemetry team is looking for well-rounded engineers to build telemetry features like Watson, SQM (Software Quality Metrics) and User-Initiated Feedback. Beyond the typical feature-specific statistical/business analysis, our grander vision is to drive up reliability, device health and battery life metrics via the use of telemetry data. Our data is, for the first time, shared out to partner OEMs and Mobile Operators to provide insight to their phones and operational quality.

With more than 1 million crashes collected, 15K+ bugs opened and 70K+ User-Initiated Feedback during our 18 month development cycle via Watson, the telemetry clients are the bread-and-butter of our reliability business. Built on this success in 7, we have tons of enhancements and creative ideas to make an even bigger impact to the division and partners. Here is where you come in.

We are looking for candidate with the following qualifications:
8+ years developing with C/C++, relevant software design, implementation, and shipping experience
Successfully shipped at least 2 products (full cycle from planning to design to ship)
Strong software design and architectural skills (fluent in UML and use of design patterns)
Demonstrated technical depth in OS architecture and internals, assembly on ARM.
Strong debugging, coding and analytical problem solving skills
Strong communication, interpersonal skills with proven track record of cross group collaboration
Self-starter who can drive from defining the problem to completing the solution
Passion for quality, sound EE principles and best practices
Ability to mentor junior engineers
BS or MS degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience
Prior experience with Windows Phone/CE platform preferred