Last month we got some details on Nokia's plan of attack when it comes to bringing its Windows Phones to the U.S., dubbed "Operation Rolling Thunder." Now some information on Microsoft plan related to Windows Phone marketing in the new year has surfaced, and boy does it sound expensive. According to Paul Thurrott over at WinSuperSite, Microsoft's planning to drop around $200 million just on marketing for Windows Phone in the U.S., with some of the cash being kicked in by Nokia and other device manufacturers. A portion of Microsoft's scheme involves incentives for retail staff to recommend Windows Phone products over Android and iPhone devices. Thurrott claims that the payments that'll be made to employees range from $10 to $15 per handset sold for some models, depending on the amount sold.

There have been reports on some carrier stores that paint a bleak picture for Windows Phone at retail, which include devices being shoved in the back corners of stores and employees steering customers away from Windows Phone products. Although that may not be the case at every place that Windows Phone products are sold, actions like those mentioned could definitely play a part in Microsoft's platform's inability to grow a strong presence in the market so far. A $200 million marketing blitz that includes incentives for retail staff could definitely help change that, though, so it should be interesting to see exactly how Microsoft and its partners go after the consumer in the coming months. What do you all make of Microsoft's plan? Do you think it'll help Windows Phone to make a dent in the market share of Android and iOS?

Via WinSuperSite