Rapid development and commercialization of products - A business imperative in the global telecommunication landscape

In the next several years, the telecommunication industry expects staggerin g growth, fueled by the Internet, convergence in voice, data, and multimedi a applications, and telecommunication deregulation in global markets. Rapid product development cycles have presented unique opportunities to design, manufacture, and provision the products in these markets. The AirLoop (R) w ireless local loop (WLL) team partnered with an original equipment manufact urer (OEM)/supplier to expedite development and share manufacturing of the 3.4-GHz subscriber transceiver radio unit (STRU). The design was completed in six months by cooperation between the Lucent Technologies design group i n Chippenham, England, the OEM supplier, and the Lucent factory in Columbus , Ohio. This paper addresses the obstacles, opportunities, and lessons lear ned in the unique "design anywhere, manufacture anywhere" (DAMA) wireless d esign and manufacturing experience across international boundaries. The exp erience gained has positioned Lucent's ability to accelerate innovation and exploit new markets internationally.