Microsoft exec forced out over tweet: report

Product manager breached company's social media policy

A Microsoft product manager who tweeted about an unreleased Nokia handset has since left the company, it has emerged.

Geekwire reports that Joe Marini, principal program manager for the Windows Phone web platform, is no longer working for the company after posting his thoughts about the unreleased handset, which was running Windows Phone 7, on the social networking site.
"I just got a chance to try out one of the slickest looking #Nokia phones I have ever seen. Soon, you will too! #wp7," one of the tweets reads.

In answer to questions about the handset, he later replies: "Solid feel, good camera, responsive UI, and nice little touches on the body construction. The camera was good, but I didn't have optimal lighting. I'd like a larger screen too."

The tweets are still visible on Marini's Twitter account.
The report states that Marini resigned after finding out that he would be sacked for improper use of social media and disclosure of confidential information. Microsoft confirmed that Marini was no longer working for the company but declined to provide further details.

His posts seemingly fall foul of Microsoft's social media policy, which states: "Do not post any information, code, inventions, or other material that may be confidential to Microsoft or its customers, partners or vendors."

Marini has been at the company since 2003 and was one of the speakers at Microsoft's BUILD conference last week.