A comparison between the performance of strained (1.5% compression) and unstrained multiple-quantum-well (MQW), ridge-waveguide lasers with identical geometrical structures and similar emission wavelengths is reported. Results show that significant improvements in the characteristic temperature (T(omicron)), maximum output power, maximum operating temperature, and internal quantum efficiency can be obtained through the application of strain. Accordingly, for lasers employing strained active regions, an improved characteristic temperature, T(omicron), of 85 K and high-maximum lasing temperature of 140-degrees-C were obtained under pulsed operating conditions. These values are the highest ever observed for long-wavelength lasers with all-quaternary strained MQW active regions.