Zune

The Challenge

After growing quickly from 14 individuals to 200, Microsoft's Zune product marketing team had 11 months to launch the newest version. As a result, processes and roles needed definition in order to mitigate risks, reach financial objectives, and improve overall team health. Slalom interviewed employees, evaluated business goals and aligned and defined roles and responsibilities, as well as a strategic plan, to successfully launch and build partnerships across the organization.

Our Approach

Slalom leveraged Six Sigma-based methodologies and strategy to define and prioritize tasks, recommending product launch solutions with both immediate and far-reaching impacts on the marketing and marcomm teams. The plan coordinated the efforts of the marketing team with packaging, engineering, software, and external vendors. By developing core operational tools and strategies, the methodology and focus outlived multiple reorganizations.

The Results

According to Microsoft executives, Slalom built a best-in-class, nationwide marketing plan, unmatched by other internal marketing groups, providing a rigorous scorecard with relevant metrics, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and cross-functional workback schedules and milestones. Multiple departments can now execute on responsibilities, evaluate how scheduling and delivery of their tasks would impact business partners, and eventually carry out the successful launch of the product.