Microsoft Search Server 2008 Express Product Announcement Project Management
Situation: With the Microsoft Search Server 2008 and Search Server 2008 Express product announcements fast approaching, the Microsoft Enterprise Search Team had only 10 weeks to coordinate and produce all marketing materials needed for announcement events across the United States and Europe. To meet this objective, 70 distinct deliverables needed to be completed in less than 70 days and would require the efficient coordination of over a dozen stakeholders, third-party vendors, and creative teams.
Solution:Microsoft turned to the project management professionals at Projectline to develop a comprehensive strategy and drive deliverable completion. Keeping the big picture in mind, Projectline consultants created a detailed marketing calendar and acted as the central managing force for all marketing deliverables and their owners. Throughout the 10 week process, Projectline project managers were fully engaged each day, driving the efforts of internal stakeholders, updating and communicating project status to key players, facilitating weekly meetings and individual check-ins, managing internal content resources, and acting as a client conduit for creative projects.
“Projectline stepped in and quickly helped us structure our efforts. They have been completely reliable and on top of the work day in and day out.” – Product Manager
Benefits:By structuring timelines and driving announcement deliverables, Projectline helped the Enterprise Search Team meet all 70 of its critical requirements ahead of the product announcement. Thanks to Projectline's skillful project management, printed marketing collateral, customer-facing Web site content, and CD media were designed, produced, and delivered ahead of schedule. With all of this marketing support, it's no wonder that the product announcement went off without a hitch.
“Projectline was firing on all cylinders through the whole process leading up to this announcement. They really shaped our communications structure and were helpful at every turn. Needless to say, I'm glad they were a part of this project.” – Product Manager
Results:
- 70 announcement deliverables completed in less than 10 weeks
- Successful new product announcement with press coverage and live events across the United States and Europe
