Abstract

The case discusses the 'mobile music strategy' adopted by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (Sony Ericsson). The company leveraged the strengths of its parent companies, Sony Corporation and Ericsson to introduce the Walkman phone. The case discusses in detail about the impact of the Walkman phone on the company's performance. The case includes details of how the company leveraged the Walkman brand and initiated several strategic tie-ups. The case also highlights the competition among mobile phone manufacturers with regard to music phones and the competition with portable music players.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the impact of the mobile music strategy on the performance of Sony Ericsson
• Understand the nature of competition in the mobile phone industry.

Keywords

Sony Ericsson, Walkman Music Phone, Mobile Handset, Consumer Electronics, Portable Music Players, Merger Synergy, Apple Computer Inc., iPod, New Product Development, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Strategic Partnerships, iTunes Music Store, Online Music Download