DEC STD 028-0

This document, DEC STD 028-0, outlines Digital Equipment Corporation's Phase Review Policy and describes the Phase Review Process for managing the entire lifecycle of its products.

Key Points:

• Purpose: Provides a foundation for understanding and implementing a structured approach to product lifecycle management.
• Applicability: Applies to all Digital products, processes, and services, including third-party acquisitions and external technologies, that support Digital's strategies.
• Objectives: The policy aims to facilitate management and peer reviews, establish a common language and measurement criteria for cross-functional issues, and enable management approval of investment at defined decision points.
• Principles: Emphasizes customer-centric deliverables, product team autonomy in choosing methods, cross-functional team effort, timely communication of project and product information, and timely communication of exceptions.

• Product Life Cycle Phases: The process divides the product lifecycle into six distinct phases:

  • Phase 0: Strategy and Requirements - Identify market needs, technology opportunities, and initial funding for proposals.
  • Phase 1: Planning and Preliminary Design - Develop comprehensive plans and secure commitment for investment (Business Plan of Record).
  • Phase 2: Implementation and Design - Execute plans, develop, and innovate the product/service.
  • Phase 3: Qualification - Demonstrate that all criteria are met for successful product launch.
  • Phase 4: Production, Sales, and Service - Achieve and maintain planned production, sales, and service levels (split into Ramp-Up and Steady-State Operation).
  • Phase 5: Product Retirement / Service Retirement - Implement an orderly phase-down plan to minimize exposure and fulfill commitments.

• Responsibilities: The Product Team holds primary responsibility for cross-functional communication, planning, and successful implementation. This multidisciplinary team includes representatives from Product Management (team leader), Finance, Law, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and Service, each with specific responsibilities throughout the product lifecycle.

The policy was approved on November 1, 1990, and is for Digital's internal use.