Rebuffing last-week reports which hinted that Microsoft is apparently working on its own Windows Phone 8 smartphone first as a "flagship" device for the new version of its mobile OS, Greg Sullivan - senior marketing manager for Windows Phone - said on Monday that Microsoft currently has no plans to manufacture its own company-branded smartphone.

The reports about the possibility of Microsoft's own Windows Phone 8 handset started making rounds last week, close on the heels of Microsoft's announcement of its own Windows 8 tablet, `Surface.'

The unveiling of Microsoft's Surface tablet in two versions - an Intel-based model sporting Windows 8 Pro; and a Nvidia-based version using Windows RT -, and the company's handing out of its own software/hardware platform because of earlier failed attempts with its PC partners, was apparently the reason behind the reports of Microsoft producing its own Windows Phone 8 smartphone as well.

However, dismissing industry rumors and adding that Microsoft has a "satisfying" lineup of Windows Phone 8 partners like HTC, Nokia, Samsung, and Huawei, Sullivan said that the company has "a strong ecosystem of partners that we are very satisfied with."

Nonetheless, despite Sullivan's attempted dismissal of the rumors about Microsoft's own Windows Phone 8 smartphone, a number of analysts are of the opinion that the company may eventually produce its own smartphone if it strikes an acquisition deal with its closest Windows Phone partner, Nokia.