We immediately gathered inhouse project members and experts to discuss measures. Then, middle-ranked Mr. Sato proposed a different type of protection circuit from the one used.

The circuit was ordered and tested immediately. As a result, we found that the circuit worked sufficiently. But there weren't enough in stock. In order to avoid delay in delivery, we had to procure the circuits ourselves. We called every office handling the part in Tokyo. At last, we managed to gather enough parts. Mr. Yakabe and I took the parts to the plant and made it in time.

December 25th was the day of the shipment judgment meeting. The judgment meeting did not proceed smoothly as we would have liked due to the problems we had. But in the end, after hours of deliberation with the shipment judgment personnel, we were able to obtain approval for the shipment of the first lot.

For the follow-up and shipment of the second and succeeding lots, the development members stayed at the plant even during the year end holidays. We didn't even participate in the last meeting of the year that was held annually. By this time, some of the development members had become ill. The development site almost appeared as a battlefield. Some members made it through on cough medicine and health drinks.

Supported by the passion of related personnel, we were able to complete the schedule within the year. By the time we finished handing the report to the supervisor and were leaving, the plant was completely deserted and dark. But amidst the darkness, we felt a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Despite the many troubles we encountered, we somehow managed to meet the product deadline. Let me add that the nationwide sales implementation and field handling that followed were accomplished due to the exceptional efforts of many persons related to the VoIP gateway project.