Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) hopes the man behind the Staples Inc. “easy” concept—and the physical Easy Button sold as a fundraiser—will give its mobile communications business a boost. Todd Peters joined the company this week as corporate vice president of marketing for Mobile Communications Business, reporting to Pieter Knook, SVP-Mobile Communications Business. His responsibilities include :"driving marketing efforts for Windows Mobile, Windows Live for mobile; and other mobility brand offerings related to product planning, product management and campaigns, and marketing communications.” He has his work cut out for him, especially given the iPhone’s hot new-kid status and considerable product confusion.

Microsoft Watch: “But maybe Microsoft’s insular culture is the problem. New perspective is just what Microsoft needs right now, particularly for marketing. There, Peters looks good, at least from the CV. He has got solid advertising and marketing credentials, and, perhaps more importantly for Microsoft, a strong channel marketing background. ... The Windows Mobile message needs to rise above the iPhone cacophony before Apple’s (NSDQ: AAPL) mobile gets real enterprise support.”