September 26, 2007 — FEI Co. (Nasdaq: FEIC) has launched a “MySpace”-style Web site aimed at enabling its electron microscopy customers to network online and build a user community around FEI’s products. The company says its new online service will keep users updated on product upgrades and accessories, FEI user clubs, and training — and will feature a networking tool called FEI Connect that will allow instant access to peers and FEI applications specialists

With membership restricted to owners and users of FEI tools, FEI Connect operates like a “MySpace” environment where members create unique profiles and enter the community to meet and interact with other members who have similar applications expertise and research or industry interests. The community contains topic-focused user groups on microscopy and nanotechnology, as well as real-time chat, personal and community blogs and more. Members can also share their work with others in their personal profile area.

Since its debut in mid-August, nearly 200 participants have registered their instrument and created a profile within the community. “Based on the early positive responses to FEI Connect, we expect to have more than 1,000 registered users in the online community by the end of 2008,” said Rob Fastenau, senior vice president of marketing and development.