In 2006, Microsoft one of the worlds biggest software makers introduced a new operating system into the market, Windows vista. Company officials claimed that Windows Vista had come at the right time and that it would help individuals and organizations to enhance their performance especially in the area of information management. This paper will examine lessons learned from the product management of Microsoft Vista, and how to apply the lessons in managing digital products.
Differences between digital product and a physical product
It is imperative to note that digital products are different from physical products. First, while physical products can be touched, digital products are formulated in a non-physical format. Secondly, the cost of production and sharing is very high for physical products than for digital products. This is because physical products require time to transfer while digital products are delivered immediately and at a minimal cost or no cost at all. In addition, there are no warehouse costs for digital products while for physical products the storage costs are usually high. A digital product uses data technology to create discrete values. Digital technology is applied together with physical communication media transmissions like the fiber optic or the satellite (Lemley et al, 2006).
New product development for a digital product
New product development (NPD) for digital products, describes the innovation and creativity efforts made by manufacturers to come up with new products with superior attributes. New product development efforts focus on improving business performance in key interest areas through the delivery of relative content in user- friendly formats. The core activities are aimed at manufacturing new products and commercial models, testing and experimenting with new digital products, mapping and the production of models. The process involves effective management of the product life cycle, which is a careful management of the product design and production details (Bolter, 2001).
New product development process and the role of information in such a process, Microsofts Windows Vista is a good model of the new product development process. This product was launched in 2006 and included Vista, Exchange Server 2007 and 2007 Office System. These flagship products of Vista are said to have cost the manufacturer about ten billion US dollars in research and development. Vista will change the way businesses operate in the management of information. In addition, it will develop the way people communicate, use and share information. Those adopting the Vista system expect to save on cost via process work- flow automation, access information more easily as well as lower the cost of compliance. Similarly, Windows vista has enabled new capabilities like advances in graphics and pervasive for XML technologies hence creating a new experience for end users. By incorporating XML and Web services technology, the product will help organizations to utilize online services and enhance the selection mix of on- premise and other applications to ensure that there is a balance of security, convenience and productivity. Moreover, the 2007 Office system is a powerful platform for the development of business applications that focus on eliminating the barriers between companies, systems, processes and information (Fried. 2006).
New Product Development and sustainable competitive advantage
New product development can enhance the competitive advantage of organizations. It is important to note that successful launching of a product requires good management of the product development process and methodologies. Product lifecycle management focuses on meeting organizational goals like reducing the time to the market and reduction of production costs. To beat the competition, organizations reduce the lead times to get the product to the market before the competitors. This rewards the organizations with a bigger market share, higher revenues and increased profits. The other benefit of product lifecycle management is the reduction of prototyping costs and the enhanced ability to forecast accurately on potential sales opportunities and revenues. Likewise, it reduces wastage through the re-use of data, which leads to improvement in the quality of the product.
Application of lessons learned from the product management of Vista
The lessons learned from the product management of Vista are useful in the management of other digital products such as digital television and cameras.
Digital television
Digital television refers to the use of discrete signals to send and receive images and sound in their motional state. In the older technology, television sets used analog signal technology. However, by the end of 2009 more than ten countries had migrated completely from analog television transmissions to digital transmissions. This technology is changing the broadcasting systems around the world, with many broadcasters switching to high definition television and standard-definition digital signal. This means that the lessons learned from the product management of Vista can be successfully applied in the management of the digital television product life cycle.
Digital camera
In the photography sector, digital camera is a product whose management can be enhanced by the lessons learned from the Microsofts Windows Vista. The Canon Corporation makes the PowerShot D10. It is a playful camera, water proof and stylish. This makes it the digital camera of choice for outdoor clients who spend time in dusty areas and rainy seasons as well as divers and skaters. This was unexploited market niche hence the need to reach the market quickly to avoid competition from rival digital companies.
Based on the above analysis, it is evident that management of digital products is very significant in enhancing profitability. Product development should always focus on adding value to the customer and that is why organizations should invest in innovation and creativity. The product lifecycle management is also very critical since it ensures that the manufacturer has control over the product processes and is able to respond to market dynamics more effectively.
Differences between digital product and a physical product
It is imperative to note that digital products are different from physical products. First, while physical products can be touched, digital products are formulated in a non-physical format. Secondly, the cost of production and sharing is very high for physical products than for digital products. This is because physical products require time to transfer while digital products are delivered immediately and at a minimal cost or no cost at all. In addition, there are no warehouse costs for digital products while for physical products the storage costs are usually high. A digital product uses data technology to create discrete values. Digital technology is applied together with physical communication media transmissions like the fiber optic or the satellite (Lemley et al, 2006).
New product development for a digital product
New product development (NPD) for digital products, describes the innovation and creativity efforts made by manufacturers to come up with new products with superior attributes. New product development efforts focus on improving business performance in key interest areas through the delivery of relative content in user- friendly formats. The core activities are aimed at manufacturing new products and commercial models, testing and experimenting with new digital products, mapping and the production of models. The process involves effective management of the product life cycle, which is a careful management of the product design and production details (Bolter, 2001).
New product development process and the role of information in such a process, Microsofts Windows Vista is a good model of the new product development process. This product was launched in 2006 and included Vista, Exchange Server 2007 and 2007 Office System. These flagship products of Vista are said to have cost the manufacturer about ten billion US dollars in research and development. Vista will change the way businesses operate in the management of information. In addition, it will develop the way people communicate, use and share information. Those adopting the Vista system expect to save on cost via process work- flow automation, access information more easily as well as lower the cost of compliance. Similarly, Windows vista has enabled new capabilities like advances in graphics and pervasive for XML technologies hence creating a new experience for end users. By incorporating XML and Web services technology, the product will help organizations to utilize online services and enhance the selection mix of on- premise and other applications to ensure that there is a balance of security, convenience and productivity. Moreover, the 2007 Office system is a powerful platform for the development of business applications that focus on eliminating the barriers between companies, systems, processes and information (Fried. 2006).
New Product Development and sustainable competitive advantage
New product development can enhance the competitive advantage of organizations. It is important to note that successful launching of a product requires good management of the product development process and methodologies. Product lifecycle management focuses on meeting organizational goals like reducing the time to the market and reduction of production costs. To beat the competition, organizations reduce the lead times to get the product to the market before the competitors. This rewards the organizations with a bigger market share, higher revenues and increased profits. The other benefit of product lifecycle management is the reduction of prototyping costs and the enhanced ability to forecast accurately on potential sales opportunities and revenues. Likewise, it reduces wastage through the re-use of data, which leads to improvement in the quality of the product.
Application of lessons learned from the product management of Vista
The lessons learned from the product management of Vista are useful in the management of other digital products such as digital television and cameras.
Digital television
Digital television refers to the use of discrete signals to send and receive images and sound in their motional state. In the older technology, television sets used analog signal technology. However, by the end of 2009 more than ten countries had migrated completely from analog television transmissions to digital transmissions. This technology is changing the broadcasting systems around the world, with many broadcasters switching to high definition television and standard-definition digital signal. This means that the lessons learned from the product management of Vista can be successfully applied in the management of the digital television product life cycle.
Digital camera
In the photography sector, digital camera is a product whose management can be enhanced by the lessons learned from the Microsofts Windows Vista. The Canon Corporation makes the PowerShot D10. It is a playful camera, water proof and stylish. This makes it the digital camera of choice for outdoor clients who spend time in dusty areas and rainy seasons as well as divers and skaters. This was unexploited market niche hence the need to reach the market quickly to avoid competition from rival digital companies.
Based on the above analysis, it is evident that management of digital products is very significant in enhancing profitability. Product development should always focus on adding value to the customer and that is why organizations should invest in innovation and creativity. The product lifecycle management is also very critical since it ensures that the manufacturer has control over the product processes and is able to respond to market dynamics more effectively.
No comments:
Post a Comment