Paul McDougall has a combative editorial over on Information Week, looking at the recent Microsoft Windows Phone event in New York. He reckons that there will be no place to hide if the latest push on Windows Phone doesn't deliver results over the next year.

On Monday, the software giant threw a bash in Manhattan, ostensibly to mark the release of three new Windows Phones from Samsung and HTC. But you don't erect a six-story replica of your product in one of the world's busiest intersections and fill it with rock bands, dancers, and zombies just to fete somewhat routine additions to your lineup. No, Microsoft's NYC phone fest was about making a larger statement, which a giant phone parked outside Macy's in Herald Square certainly does. It was to say, "Windows Phone is here, and this time we really mean it."

It's hard to disagree with anything that McDougall has written. Yes it's tough, but that's what people need to hear sometimes. Microsoft does need to improve on the 5.6% market share it has in the US before the end of next year; they need their alliance with Nokia to work out; and they need to give Windows Phone a sense of having the hot new devices.

Basically, it's time to step up to the plate and hit the ball. Hard.