"Unlock" has never been a positive word for certain phone manufacturers like Apple, while some others might think a different way. 

Around late last year, 3 developers (Rafael Rivera, Chris Walsh, Long Zheng) joined together and developed an unlock tool for Windows Phone 7 (WP7)  named " Chevron WP7" . The unlock tool, which was intented to enable app sideloading and running home-brew software that cannot be submitted to Marketplace, has attracted some speculations and rumors about their association with piracy, which was not true. The three eventaully stopped the development of the unlock tool, but something interesting happended. 

Microsoft, the owner of Wndows Phone platform, contacted the three and had a long conversation. According to a blog post by them, Microsoft has agreed to engage in further discussions on officially facilitating homebrew development on WP7. The three were also been able to be involved in shaping the platform. After several months of hardwork, the approved Windows Phone unlocking service, named "ChevronWP7 Labs" has been announced. 

The service, which requires a small fee, is going to be launched soon. The official website is now on, but no further information can be accessed. 

For more details, please check their official blog, or the website of ChevronWP7 Labs.