Getting Results With Smart Products -- Embedded Systems Development: Three Proven Practices for Speed and Agility

Leading Companies Reduce Embedded Systems Development Time by 25% With Three Proven Practices for Speed and Agility


BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - April 9, 2009) - New research from Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), has revealed the top three practices Best-in-Class companies follow to develop embedded systems in their quest to create "smarter" products. As companies struggle to be successful in the current economy, many are incorporating embedded systems to add new inventive features to their products that will influence buying behavior. However, the inherent complexity of the mechatronic aspects of these products, in addition to zero tolerance for bugs and constantly changing requirements, make this a very difficult task. Companies that successfully address these challenges are reaping the benefits with higher profitability. The report titled, "Embedded Systems Development: Three Proven Practices for Speed and Agility," examines what leading companies are doing.

Best-in-Class companies report increasing the amount of embedded software in their products by 2.6 times over the last 3 years. Despite that, they also report an impressive 25% reduction in their development time over the last two years, compared to a 6% increase experienced by their competitors. Their methods have allowed them to get their products to market more quickly, capture market share, and bring in expected revenues 19% more often than their competitors. One of the practices leading to this success is their ability to manage requirements. "Top performers are successfully capturing what customer want, defining that into the product feature requirements, and managing those requirements to ensure they make it into the final product," observes, Michelle Boucher, Research Analyst, Product Innovation & Engineering, Aberdeen Group. "Not only does this avoid errors due to unclear requirements, but it ensures their products stay aligned with market needs and have the needed features that will drive revenues."

A complimentary copy of this report is made available thanks in part to the support of the following underwriters: IBM and PTC. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com//summary/report/benchmark/5716-RA-embedded-systems-development.asp.

For additional access to complimentary Product Innovation and Engineering Research, please visit http://research.aberdeen.com/index.php/-product-innovation.

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Aberdeen provides fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having queried more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to Aberdeen Group for insights that drive decisions.

As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of Harte-Hanks (Information - Opportunity - Insight - Engagement - Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit Aberdeen or call (617) 723-7890, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call (800) 456-9748.

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Contact Information: Media Contact: Michelle Boucher Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (617) 854-5345 Michelle.Boucher@aberdeen.com