DECsystem-10 Product Line Charter and Plan

This document outlines the product line charter and business plan for the DECsystem-10 as of June 8, 1973. The primary objective for the group is to establish the DECsystem-10 as a profitable, long-term business with revenues exceeding $100M per annum. Key strategic goals include the successful introduction and shipment of the KL10 processor, the transition to a profitable upgrade business for existing KA10 and KI10 models, the expansion of the sales force to 100 specialists, and achieving clear market leadership in the timesharing sector.

The plan identifies several critical concerns, including engineering and manufacturing space constraints, the management of the software development effort, and competitive pressures from companies like Xerox, IBM, and various low-end computer manufacturers. To maintain profitability, the strategy emphasizes product unbundling, cost reduction through improved engineering and vendor management, and a focus on selling "selling tools" rather than just total solutions. The document also includes financial projections for FY73 through FY75, detailing expected revenue (NOR), gross margins (GM), and profitability (PLC) across segments such as KA10/KI10, Advanced Systems, Software, and the upcoming KL10.