Managing the product development lifecycle (PDLC) is crucial for ensuring smooth integration with existing technologies and successful product launches. The PDLC involves several stages, including ideation, planning, design, development, testing, launch, and post-launch maintenance, with a focus on creating and launching products effectively. It differs from the broader product lifecycle, which covers the entire lifespan of a product. Effective PDLC management involves addressing unforeseen technical complexities, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and balancing speed with quality. Best practices include prioritizing collaboration, treating integrations as core elements, leveraging AI for process automation, and setting clear stage gates. Merge, a platform offering a Unified API, facilitates accelerated product development by simplifying integrations, thus enabling faster market entry.