Windows Phone manager leaks WP7 secrets via Twitter

It appears Apple Inc. is not the only tech firm having problems handling secrets. A key program manager of Microsoft's Windows Phone left his post after making news for tweeting his impressions of a Nokia device running Microsoft's Windows Phone 7. Tech site Geekwire reported a Microsoft spokeswoman who confirmed Joe Marini, principal program manager for the Windows Phone web platform, no longer works for the company, but did not elaborate. Marini had been with Microsoft since 2003, and has given public talks, including one at Microsoft’s Build conference in Anaheim earlier this month. Geekwire cited information from people inside Microsoft that Marini resigned after learning he would be fired for improper use of social media and disclosure of confidential information. Marini's Twitter account had contained entries about his thoughts on a Nokia WP7 device still under development. "I just got a chance to try out one of the slickest looking #Nokia phones I have ever seen. Soon, you will too!" he tweeted. He later responded to a question asking him to rank the phone. "@samsabri Overall I would say an 8. Solid feel, good camera, responsive UI, and nice little touches on the body construction," he said. Geekwire noted Microsoft’s social media and blogging policy asks employees to “be smart" and not disclose confidential information in tweets or posts. Tougher stance vs leaks Geekwire said Microsoft has toughened its stance on leaks, dismissing a journalist from the Build conference for prematurely posting video content about the Windows 8 operating system after agreeing to an embargo. Apple's problem with secrets Microsoft is not the only tech giant having problems with unreleased phones. Earlier in September this year, Apple Inc. lost an unreleased model of what could be its upcoming iPhone 5 at a restaurant-bar in San Francisco last July. Apple security, accompanied by police, searched the house of a local resident but did not find the phone. The resident denied having possession of it. — TJD, GMA News