While most smartphone enthusiasts are partial to either iOS or Android-powered smartphones, another operating system is fast emerging as a worthy rival. The ecosystem in question is none other than Windows Phone from Microsoft, which has now outsold iPhones in seven markets.

The Redmond-based company released its Windows Phone 8 OS in 2012 and the platform seems destined for bigger things. Windows Phone 8-powered handsets, especially those from Finland-based Nokia's Lumia line-up have been creating quite a stir since their launch.

The Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, both of which run on WP8, have been lauded by fans and experts alike. Even the HTC 8S and HTC 8X have done reasonably well in the consumer market. Buoyed by the success of the WP8 smartphones, Microsoft seems poised to establish a stronger foothold in the consumer space.

According to Microsoft's Frank Shaw, the Windows Phone platform now accounts for 10 percent market share in a number of countries. Moreover, Shaw asserts that per an IDC report, Windows Phone has shipped more than BlackBerry in 26 markets.

"Windows Phone has reached 10 percent market share in a number of countries, and according to IDC's latest report, has shipped more than Blackberry in 26 markets and more than iPhone in seven," notes Frank Shaw, Microsoft's corporate communications VP in a Microsoft blog post.

However, Shaw did not disclose which countries accounted for the all-important 10 percent market share. He did not even let slip the all- important data as to which are the seven markets where Windows Phone was more popular than the iconic iPhone.

At this juncture it is unknown if the markets in question are developed or emerging ones. Nevertheless, Microsoft is slowly gaining market presence and steaming ahead in the race to become the third most popular ecosystem, ahead of BlackBerry 10.