X. COMPANY CORE COMPETENCIES
QUALCOMM’s success has been based on several core competencies. These core competencies have allowed QUALCOMM to become a market leader in the industry, and are described below.
A. Research and Development (R&D)
Since its inception, QUALCOMM has been committed to R&D. From its first commercial program, the OmniTRACS mobile communications system, to its latest alliances, QUALCOMM has always strived for innovation. A major part of QUALCOMM’s business model is based on developing innovative products and services, then licensing these products and services across a large number of users.
B. Patent Defense
In order to protect the advantages of their R&D efforts, QUALCOMM has, by necessity, developed and maintained a very aggressive and effective stance toward defense of its patents. They maintain a large staff of in-house patent lawyers to protect their patented products and technologies.
C. Startups/Spinoffs
As another outgrowth of its R&D efforts, QUALCOMM has become very effective at developing internal, or identifying external, innovative companies for startup or spinoff opportunities. In fact, QUALCOMM has set up QUALCOMM Ventures as a separate subsidiary to fund potential startups.
D. Visionary Management
Tying these qualities together is the overall vision of QUALCOMM’s management. QUALCOMM’s goal is to grow the CDMA markets worldwide. By supporting and fostering new and innovative companies and products which advance CDMA technologies, QUALCOMM helps support the “Virtuous Cycle”.