Polyphonic HMI Case Analysis

740 Words2 Pages

Polyphonic HMI, a subdivision of Barcelona-based Grupo AIA, is charged with applying the parent company’s artificial intelligence and natural science ideas and products to the music industry. Grupo’s major strengths lie in these areas and have led to the development of several successful and innovative tools used to solve all types of business problems across different industry sectors. Polyphonic, Grupo’s first entertainment-based subsector, is releasing Hit Song Science (hereafter HSS), a software used to predict the potential success of songs by mapping their mathematical properties and matching those to previous hits. However, Polyphonic is facing a series of problems. Two stand out: one, they have no identifiable target market. Two, Polyphonic has no defined marketing approach on which to launch their original product offering. This report will address, analyze and make recommendations for solving these challenges. COMPANY Polyphonic, like the rest of Grupo, is led by a talented and educated team of managers, who have experience working in the music industry. Adding to their strengths, the company is supported by an experienced advisory board made up of music industry insiders with first-hand knowledge of how music companies operate and about the challenges they might face. Lastly, Polyphonic has created in HSS a valuable and scientifically proven product with unlimited potential that can serve across different market segments (discussed at length below). However, the company is not without its own challenges. Polyphonic is operating on a “shoestring budget” of $150,000. The company is not helped by initial discussions about HSS with potential customers, which have resulted in cold receptions, at best, about the product’s potential application to the music processes despite its multiple strengths. COMPETITOR No comparable products currently exists that could directly compete with HSS. Indirect competitors, on the other hand, come in the form of research methodologies, which are currently employed by music executives to evaluate a song’s hit potential. These include: focus groups, call-out researching, online testing and, occasionally, a music executive’s “gut instinct.” The first three are expensive options, costing anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 to analyze a song, and time consuming. Another perceived competitor: music producers. Polyphonic should not believe this notion. CUSTOMER Polyphonic’s primary customers are record companies, producers and singers. This customer base has a common need is for an improved ability to predict how and which songs can become hits.

Open Document