1. Patents and proprietary knowledge about the design of the major device system and about key competitive components and subsystems
2. Patents and proprietary knowledge about the processes and control in production processes
3. Performance and features of major device system
4. Cost of purchase and maintenance of major device system
5. Dependability and cost of repair of major device system
6. Availability and cost of distribution channels and timely delivery
7. Availability and nature of peripherals to complete a major device system for an application
8. Assisting customers in developing applications system around the major device system
Firm thus focus their R&D on the five areas
1. Modification, variation, and redesign of lines and generations of major device system
2. Modification, variation, and redesign of key competitive components and subsystem
3. Invention of new production processes and for producing parts
4. The improvement and integration of unit production processes
5. Assisting customers in developing applications systems around a major device system