In a startup, I embrace the idea from Blank that there are really only two roles: product development (design, and software hackers) and customer development (product marketing, sales, business development).

FORBES: Getting The Most Out Of 'Getting Out Of The Building'

Our customers need to be agile so they can not only stay ahead of the competition, but also be able to quickly change the underlying behavior and logic of their strategic business systems in customer service, new product development and marketing.

FORBES: The Bring Your Own Software Trend - And Why It Will Be Brief

Since 1999 they have linked Huawei's switch development with marketing and sales, aiming to design for customer needs.

FORBES: The Challenge From China