Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing an information technology portfolio using assessments that are based on a set of criteria. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. The criteria are preferably directed toward evaluating, ensuring, and/or improving acceptance of the products in the portfolio by their target marketplace or market segment. Assessments are performed, using the criteria and attributes, and results of these assessments may be used when making various decisions regarding the products in the portfolio.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for designing information technology products by influencing design of a product using a set of criteria. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. The criteria are preferably directed toward ensuring, and/or improving, the product's acceptance by its target marketplace or market segment. In preferred embodiments, information that defines “best practices” for various ones of the criteria is gathered during a product assessment, and this information provided to product teams to be used in product design decisions.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for assessing information technology products by comparing a product (including a product still under development) to a set of criteria. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. The comparison is preferably directed toward ensuring, and/or improving, the product's acceptance by its target marketplace or market segment. In preferred embodiments, a product assessment score is created as a result of the comparison. When necessary, a set of recommendations for product changes is also created. The criteria/attributes may be prioritized in view of their importance to the target marketplace or market segment, and the assessment results are preferably provided to product teams to influence the importance of product planning and/or development efforts.

Abstract: A laser module with integral cooling is disclosed. The module is intended for coupling to a fiber optic cable for various applications. The module is generally cylindrical and has a laser diode array mounted centrally therein. A cooling channel is in thermal relation with the array either directly or via a diamond substrate. A fiber optic coupler mates with the portion of the housing carrying the array and carries a lens subassembly. During assembly, the coupler is positioned to accurately focus the output of the array into a beam suitable for transmission to the fiber optic cable. Coolant is coupled to the channel with a removable coupling manifold or similar arrangement which may also carry electrical contacts for energizing the array.

Abstract: A microchip laser assembly provides a microchip laser along with an integral Peltier thermoelectric temperature controller and temperature sensor. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the microchip laser during operation so that the polarity and magnitude of a direct current to Peltier thermoelectric elements may be controlled, thereby controlling the temperature of the microchip laser and stabilizing the optical output frequency or other microchip laser operating parameters. The microchip laser assembly can be mounted, along with a pump source, upon a submount such that the microchip laser can be optically pumped. As a result of the construction of the microchip laser assembly, the temperature of the microchip laser can be controlled independent of the temperature of the pump source.