Please review the following and describe:
Question 1: Describe in detail on the two challenges as stated in the attached paper, in terms of the Microsoft's marketplace? Be sure to consider consumer (end user) needs, desires, and trends.
Question 2: How the realization of these two challenges align to Microsoft's strategy and goals and can help the Microsoft maximize profit and revenue.
Question 3: What do you perceive is the goal of this project (as discussed in the attached paper) and how does it align to Microsoft's strategy and goals.
Organizational Background
Paul Allen and Bill Gates founded Microsoft Corporation in the year 1975. In current times, if one thinks of a computer, one evidently starts to think about Microsoft. In the personal computer industry, Microsoft is the largest and most influential company in the world. Microsoft developed operating systems like DOS and Windows and these operating systems have emerged as today’s de facto standards. Apart from the operating system, Microsoft also develops computer software for almost every aspect of programming tools and end user applications.
Microsoft has a diverse range of product portfolio for the market, which range from Operating System products to well known Windows Productivity Suites, Collaboration and Mobile products. One of the most recent product launches from Microsoft has been of its Zune music player. Microsoft has developed this hard drive based MP3 music player with inbuilt wireless technology, enabling people to share music, videos and photos with friends and others using Zune. Microsoft has also developed a Zune Marketplace Service which allows music publishers to sell their songs via this service. The Zune player is capable of storing and playing songs, videos and photos.
Project Idea
Desired Functionality
To enrich the functionality and power of the Zune music player, an intelligent remote control device is required to be developed. Even though, Zune already has a remote control device which helps the user to access play lists and control menu navigation and volume. But the play list and navigation is possible when your Zune player is either attached to a TV, where it is displaying the Zune screen or the Zune player is attached as a standalone to a docking station, audio, video or photo.
This new wireless, intelligent memory based remote control device, will have a memory of its own which will be hosting data and executing key commands managed through inbuilt remote applications. The remote will have a new design, look and feel. There will be a touch screen on top of the remote along with key features such as, fast forward, skip, play, stop, pause, plus (for volume increase), minus (for volume decrease) and mute likewise. The screen will have the ability to display the list of songs, videos or photos in the current play list or folder on the Zune player. The user can then select the desired song, video or photo to play or display on the player or any external display and/or audio device connected to the Zune player, such as TVs or music systems.
The remote will also be able to display the full menu screen of the video that has been selected for current play. This menu will always be available on the screen of the remote till the time the selected video is under play. This facilitates and makes it easier for the user to use the menu to directly reach ump to his or her desired scene or feature set instead of him or her having to pause the currently playing video on the TV or the Zune player and then going through the complete menu launch cycle as it happens in current time.
If the user has wireless internet connection at home then a specific part of the screen on this new remote will display web marketing Ads as sponsored by various companies. If the user likes the Ad or is interested in knowing more about the ad, the user can freeze the Ad on the remotes screen by a single tap. Further, the user could plug the remote directly to his or her computer via a USB connection cable and which will take the user directly to that displayed Ad Company’s website.
Such capabilities of this new Zune remote will empower it to function like a light weight mini computer in the user’s hands. The idea is to develop a new remote device for the Microsoft Zune music player.
Project Outcomes
A new hand held computer based remote for running Zune. The device will work without the need for being attached to a TV or docking station, audio, video or photos and will become a prototype for future remote controls. This device will be recognized by Microsoft as an essential tool for Zune. The device will also provide a new medium of advertising for the web based marketers and will have a high degree of visibility and advertising value. Any advertising company will sponsor a major part of the development cost in return for exclusive advertising rights for the first two years.
Potential Device Software
1. This will be a high quality system, having no chance of developing defects.
2. There will be a well defined process of development that will be known to all the parties involved.
3. Initially the software will be built after conducting a market research and will feature the functions that the employees want.
4. The application will make the remote so useful which will eventually make Microsoft’s market position in MP3 player market very strong.
5. The software will be properly configured and installed on every handset and will require no maintenance.
6. The software will have an inbuilt training program for first time users and will make them familiar with usability features in a step-by-step manner.
Potential Device Hardware
1. New remote device printed circuit board (PCB).
2. Touch sensitive LCD Screen.
3. Fiber plastic device body.
4. Memory chip.
5. In-slot SD card adapter.
Challenges Faced
The major challenges that will be faced by Microsoft for this project lifecycle are in adhering to quality standards and in distribution.
Quality standards
The Company shall ensure the highest quality standards by using ISA 9001 certified manufacturing facilities. There will be highest quality standards upheld through strict execution of excellent control plans.
Distribution
Most manufacturers of remotes face indifferent distribution problems. What Microsoft will do is, establish a discharge operation system to deliver the product on time. We hope to establish multiple distribution facilities all over the world. Microsoft will establish close relationships with inbound and outbound carriers. With the launch of the product, the Microsoft hopes to become the leading designer of Zune remotes in the world.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A few notable advantages and disadvantages that can be expected from this projects execution are as discussed below.
Advantages
1. The new Zune remote device will be the first of its kind in the world.
2. Microsoft will have a stronger market positioning and a potential market share capture compared to its competitors.
3. Ease of use and adaptability by users.
4. Remote memory will not just be dependent on a fixed memory chip (which by default will be 1GB) but will also allow the user to extend the memory capacity by means of a SD memory card or likewise.
Disadvantages
1. Cost of hardware manufacturing could go up as a result of increase in hardware component prices around the world.
2. For the user to be able to view web marketing Ads on the remote device, will have to have a wireless internet connection available in its nearest vicinity.
3. User’s inability to extend the offered memory on the remote device based on market price of the memory media cards.