1. What Miller Has Done for its Clients
CHALLENGES:
Manage change and create environment for business success
Four name changes
Several iterations of corporate and product positioning
Legacy databases to data warehousing tool to enterprise information infrastructure
Multiple mergers and acquisitions
Unidata, O2, Dovetail, Prism, Informix
Integration of technology, products and people
Overcome disinterest and skepticism
Media-shy customer base
Successfully communicate break-out strategy
OPPORTUNITIES:
Change organizational identity and position for growth
Establish leadership position in data management and ETL
Define new categories
Capitalize on corporate assets: strong financial position, large installed base, superior R&D
Mindsurf Networks is changing the face of K-12 education by providing an affordable, wireless handheld computing platform that seamlessly links students, teachers and parents.
Mindsurf Networks is a portfolio company of Sylvan Ventures (also a Miller Consulting client).
Our task was to launch the company, and use the opportunity to promote a success of Sylvan Ventures; link PDA use to student achievement; support lead generation
Opportunities: wireless/PDAs were “hot” topic; with the presidential race, education was top of mind and top priority
Challenges: skepticism from education marketplace of unproven technology -- had to prove that PDAs would increase student achievement
Approach: brief positioning project followed by heavy implementation; target audience was school superintendents, PTAs; conducted media outreach to education technology publications and local press. Developed “Schools of Innovation” program -- seeking 100 schools to sign up for pilot PDA program. Worked with Center for Children and Technology (CCT), natl research association, to monitor the results of PDA usage in schools (CCT’s alignment with Mindsurf is a proof point in itself that the technology is worthwhile)
Results: received coverage in Time Magazine, local papers, Education Curriculum Administrator, Computerworld, Interactive Week, interview with Fortune (no coverage); Schools of Innovation -- through natl and local outreach, Mindsurf was over subscribed

2. Building new bridges, repairing others
SOLUTIONS:
Building new bridges, repairing others
Creating, enhancing and sustaining credibility
Articulating corporate vision and goals; demonstrating progress; supporting claims
Communicating strategic messages in conjunction with tactical product messages
Partnering with infuencers in creative, non-traditional ways
Setting and leading agenda to generate industry, technology and mindshare leadership
Generating a reliable base of credible customer support
Unifying global communications
Mindsurf Networks is changing the face of K-12 education by providing an affordable, wireless handheld computing platform that seamlessly links students, teachers and parents.
Mindsurf Networks is a portfolio company of Sylvan Ventures (also a Miller Consulting client).
Our task was to launch the company, and use the opportunity to promote a success of Sylvan Ventures; link PDA use to student achievement; support lead generation
Opportunities: wireless/PDAs were “hot” topic; with the presidential race, education was top of mind and top priority
Challenges: skepticism from education marketplace of unproven technology -- had to prove that PDAs would increase student achievement
Approach: brief positioning project followed by heavy implementation; target audience was school superintendents, PTAs; conducted media outreach to education technology publications and local press. Developed “Schools of Innovation” program -- seeking 100 schools to sign up for pilot PDA program. Worked with Center for Children and Technology (CCT), natl research association, to monitor the results of PDA usage in schools (CCT’s alignment with Mindsurf is a proof point in itself that the technology is worthwhile)
Results: received coverage in Time Magazine, local papers, Education Curriculum Administrator, Computerworld, Interactive Week, interview with Fortune (no coverage); Schools of Innovation -- through natl and local outreach, Mindsurf was over subscribed