The purpose in this paper is to discuss new demands on computer tools to support decisions in functional product development. To do that, a tentative picture of changes in product development motivated by the concept of functional products has to be outlined to serve as a basis for the discussions. The concept of functional products affects the business as a whole. The hardware will be offered to customers as one part incorporated in a total offer. The offer as a whole compromise services related to and/or designed into that hardware. Accordingly, the product development level will be affected. But, to meet the expectations the concept of functional products has to affect the design phase of the hardware in particular. Global collaboration in product development puts new demands on knowledge enabling technologies. Computer tools to support decisions in engineering design are commonly used by design teams. Today, these tools are considered to be internal and support engineering specific knowledge. However, the concept of functional products in global design teams insists on collaboration between companies to achieve additional knowledge. Engineering design activities in functional product development need collaboration on a day-to-day basis despite distance.