Materials and processing: Core competencies and strategic resources

The mix of products manufactured by AT&T and other companies engaged in information movement and management (IM&M) markets is changing rapidly. Brought about by market demand, the changes offer increased functionality at decreasing prices. These product benefits result from intense efforts to develop new concepts and materials, as well as new ways to process the materials. All companies that derive revenue from manufactured products are subject to market demand, but only those able to marshal adequate materials and processing resources will remain competitive.