Project Challenges in Marketplace

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- 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.

Apple's success is built on top of three, interconnected technologies: iTunes Music Store, iTunes, and the iPod. The final piece to the triple threat is the device that plays back the music and, kudos has to go to Apple. The iPod is a brilliantly elegant solution. The success of the device can be seen in sales in places such as Japan where the iPod has been the most popular music player for years, but the Japanese have only just got the iTunes Music Store, which means that people were buying the iPod just to play their own MP3 music collection.
The challenge that competitors are being faced with is that the iPod has become lodged into our cultural consciousness as the only music player that matters. This is supported by the many thousands of add-on features available for the iPod and the near zealous affection people have with the device. To take on the much-loved iPod is becoming a Herculean task.

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In order to compete with Apple, Zune has not only to be more competitive in pricing but also offer unique services and features. The people are steadily shifting to the premium and quality products. Zune can easily satisfy this need as it is known for its high quality and has high brand loyalty. Here the uniqueness can be achieved through real product features like the multi functional remote which will enhance the uniqueness of the product .
The major challenges that will be faced by Microsoft for this project life cycle are in adhering to quality standards and in distribution. Thus ...