The documentation is also reviewed by program management and manufacturing, with final approval granted by the vice presidents of engineering and marketing. The Fore system's engineering structure consists of six engineering facilities worldwide. Each engineering facility performs site specific functions. Some worldwide functions common to all facilities are also performed at each of the sites. Cross-functional product teams perform all development.
Teams consist of representatives from each of the vertical organizations within the company.
Each project has an engineering technical lead that is responsible for technical details. Fore Systems became ISO 9000 certified in October 1996. Formal project management systems have been in place for approximately 18 months. Several key factors contributed to the success of the ESX-3000 Hydra project. The goals were clear and well defined, and there was a strong commitment to the project from the onset.