Microsoft is in a big hole when it comes to the mobile phone business. But with the October 21st release of Windows Phone 7, the company is committed to making itself a player again. And just how is the company doing on that front?

In a Q&A today on Microsoft's press site, Achim Berg laid out an early report card on the progress thus far. The vice president of business and marketing for Windows Phones disclosed that the company has sold more than 1.5 million devices through its handset partners in the first six weeks. That's not quite enough to make a serious dent in the market share of Apple's iPhone or Google's Android. But Berg noted that it is not so much a sprint as a marathon.

We know we have tough competition, and this is a completely new product. We’re in the race – it’s not a sprint but we are certainly gaining momentum and we’re in it for the long run.

"We introduced a new platform with Windows Phone 7, and when you do that it takes time to educate partners and consumers on what you’re delivering, and drive awareness and interest in your new offering," Berg said. "We’re comfortable with where we are, and we are here for the long run; Windows Phone 7 is just the beginning. Our opportunity is to make sure people get to play with a Windows Phone. Once they do, they love it. This is very important for us."

Interestingly, the disclosure of 1.5 million devices sold comes just a couple weeks after journalist Walt Mossberg pressed Microsoft exec Joe Belfiore about how the Windows Phones were selling. Belfiore said "it's just too soon to talk about numbers."

Why the change of course in just a matter of days?

Well, for one, Microsoft took a bit of a beating in the press for not disclosing the numbers with many reporters and bloggers writing that it signaled a potential slow start for the new mobile operating system.

Sounds like the marketing folks at Microsoft decided it was better to pitch the story of an upstart, new kid on the block which is in the fight for the long run. After all, that's far better than letting others frame the messaging about how the devices are selling in the market.

Previously on TechFlash: "Android surging as Microsoft tries to reverse its mobile slide."

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