XM Satellite

Running Head : XM Satellite

XM Satellite

Name

College /University

XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio have recently confirmed the conclusion of their merger . The merger process has started since March 2007 , but finally completed in July this year . Both satellite radio companies agreed to use the Sirius XM Radio Inc . as their company name , with the unified company 's headquarters stationed in New York . The merger resulted to a combined 18 .5 million adherents (Associated Press 2008

1 . How did XM Satellite Radio differentiate its product from that

of Sirius

XM Satellite Radio was able to differentiate its product from Sirius because of the advantages that product development contributed to the organization . XM Satellite Radio has been highly engaged in innovation and product development . The Top 20 on 20 Channel is one innovation incorporated by the organization to its services . This channel allows consumers to participate in the process of providing services to them by voting as a form of assertion to what kind of service they want to receive (Hinchcliffe , 2007

XM Satellite Radio is client-centered . One of its partners includes Clear Channel . Other partners include large companies such as Sony DirectTV and General Motors (Satellite Radio , 2005 ) XM gained approval from Clear Channel to rebroadcast four music stations alongside their 68 music streams . Moreover , XM steered away from competing with Sirius but rather focused on how to provide services lacking in the other company XM Radio focused on providing excellent cable news channels . If Sirius covered all aspects of sports news , XM succeeded in gaining partnerships with large news networks such as ABC , Bloomberg , CNBC , CNN , Fox , MSNBC to name a few . Moreover , XM targeted consumers who are always on the road by providing real time traffic and weather reports (Memmer , 2004 Overall , the strategies of XM to compete with Sirius are to transform the latter 's weaknesses into XMs strengths . In this way , XM creates a line between the two satellite radio stations obtains a unique consumer population from that of Sirius

2 . What role has quality played in XMs product development and management

XM realizes that quality plays a critical role in product development allowing the company to obtain competitive advantage over rival companies . From its establishment in April 1997 , XM considered the quality of the services it will provide . It went for the 2 .3 GHz band which was a satellite radio frequency that ensures non-interruption from rain unlike other satellite radio frequencies . Moreover , XM worked to build three satellites over the years and is expecting to put up a fourth one in the coming years . These satellites account for the wide range of coverage and its availability to function even in areas with critical terrain (Archer , 2006

When it comes to satellite receivers XM provides for its consumers , it promises excellent satellite communication services . The satellite receivers are not only reasonably priced but also compact , portable made from lightweight material , installed with omni directional antennas (it connects to the satellite in any direction...