Since opening its doors in 1995, IBM's China Research Laboratory (CRL) has opened new opportunities for a developing country eager to make a global mark on technological innovation, and for a technology giant that's always seeking creative researchers and new markets.
"For China, CRL is a bridge to the most advanced technologies, a cradle for developing talents in technology and management," says Song Song, senior manager for pervasive computing - a hot area, in a country that could become the largest market for computing away from the desktop.
"CRL is a source of first-class researchers and developers for IBM, and a showcase for technologies, new products and capabilities - better for market opportunities than any advertisements," says Song, who has been at the lab since it opened.
For the researchers and other staff, the lab is an open environment that fosters creativity and participation in a global arena of ideas accessible via IBM's vast resources.
"Every day brings new opportunities to work with the latest research trends and with top talents," says Jie Xin "Jessie" Jiao, a research member specializing in technical marketing.
Located in a part of Beijing popularly known as China's Silicon Valley, the China Research Laboratory is one of eight IBM research centers worldwide. It was the first of those to be built in a developing country.
At first, CRL focused on China-specific areas of research. By 1997, for instance, researchers had overcome substantial obstacles to make ViaVoice for simplified Chinese the first continuous speech-recognition product in China. A core mission remains removing actual and perceived barriers to Chinese use of information technology.
The research agenda has grown over time. Besides Chinese speech and language technologies, it also emphasizes pervasive computing; the lab has pioneered HotVideo innovations that allows hyper links to hot spots in digital videos; and the lab explores e-business solutions that help businesses extend their reach beyond national boundaries.
"IBM has so many research areas, I can work on whatever projects I'm interested in - short-range wireless communication or mobile computing, for instance - and the resources are available," Song says.
The expanded research reflects the growth - about 20 percent each year - in the number of people working at CRL. Its 80 researchers and 10 support staff welcomed a move in August 2000 to more spacious offices. Besides comfortable working conditions, the new building offers two pantries for tea breaks and a recreation room with Ping-Pong, an exercise bicycle and other cardio-vascular workout equipment, and weights.
The community
The lab is just a 15-minute walk from some residential areas, although most researchers rely on shuttle buses to get to work. Visitors to Beijing may be delighted by CRL's proximity to the ancient royal gardens of the Summer Palace. More important to researchers, it's close to leading institutes and universities. CRL participates in 7-10 joint projects with the universities each year.
A group of volunteers, the IBM China Club, organizes regular outings that add to the lab's open atmosphere and connection among researchers. Spring Out, for instance, gets IBMers and their families away from the fast pace and fast food of the city for a daylong outing in the countryside. "In spring, everything becomes green and beautiful after the long winter, and everybody wants to go out," says Hong Bo "Holly" Ma whose job includes human relations work.
Within the laboratory, visiting speakers from other parts of IBM bring fresh perspectives. Language skill and communications training have been priorities, along with IBM's mentoring system and Individual Development Plans.
A team room provides a forum in which CRL researchers can share ideas, and regular "lunch gatherings" allow them to get to know each other more casually. The lab's atmosphere in general is relaxed, researchers say, pointing to more casual dress than they see at other IBM offices in China and to open communication that bypasses hierarchy.
"If anyone has an idea, if he wants to talk with the director or a manager, he can feel free to do that," says Holly.
As CRL broadens its own horizons, it helps nurture growth for China, for IBM and for the world. "CRL shows IBM's confidence in China's future development," Song says. "And it helps IBM to improve its products and develop new technologies and products."
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