Rededication
03/01/1997
Rededication
Allow me to introduce myself. I am the new Editor-in-Chief of Solid State Technology magazine. I am delighted to be part of a publication that has established itself as the definitive word on semiconductors and solid state technology. SST has witnessed and reported on the news and technology of the semiconductor phenomenon for 40 years, and has kept pace with the rapid changes in this volatile industry.
As an active participant in information technology for many years, I witnessed the progression from the vacuum tube "flip-flop" triode as a binary switch to the arrival of ULSI technology. During this period, SST was the main source of information on the changes that mattered. In looking over old issues, I spotted a survey article in a 1960 issue (then called Semiconductor Products) that contained the understatement (made unknowingly at the time) that semiconductor devices "give considerable impetus to the development of electronic computers," and referenced the RCA 501 computer, which, if any are still alive, must be in the Smithsonian. This article indicates how much ground the magazine has covered since its early days.
I am especially pleased that I am coming aboard as Solid State Technology approaches its 40th anniversary issue in May. This affords us the opportunity to explore in detail the coverage SST has provided over the years. It also invites us to think of where we want to go as a magazine as we ease into the next century and as we continue to follow those technology and industry issues that are crucial to the further development of the semiconductor industry.
The industry will not suffer from a lack of excitement as it combats both the technology and the ups and downs of the financial cycle and international competitive pressures. Although the suppliers of equipment are experiencing somewhat of a slump, the health of the computer industry presages a resurgence of the market later this year or early next year.
With the projected increase of personal and portable end-user devices such as personal communicators, cellular phones, intelligent pagers, and other remote access products, the demand for new chip designs combined with consumer volumes should secure the market in the long term. Although there was a downtrend in board products last year, PC and server sales are healthy. All this will help feed and nourish the ailing DRAM market. Couple this with strong materials and ASIC sales, and we should see the industry hit new heights in 1998 and 1999.
As semiconductor design moves into the deep submicron world, and with 300-mm equipment already being shipped, it is obvious that severe demands will be placed on both the technology, the equipment, and the management of fab facilities. Our highly knowledgeable staff will follow these movements on a daily basis and separate the wheat from the chaff.
We here at Solid State Technology will begin to reaffirm the mission of the magazine as a unique source of important information and carefully selected news about the technology and the companies that are driving the industry. We will look tirelessly at what articles we are publishing, what technologies are significant, and how we can deliver that information to you in the best manner possible. We promise you we won`t miss a beat. As in the past, we are dedicated to giving you the highest quality information.
In light of this rededication of Solid State Technology, I would like to invite you, the reader, to give us feedback on what you like or dislike, what you want to see more or less of, and any other comments you may have as active participants in this exciting arena.
I can be reached by calling 603/891-9453, e-mailing [email protected], or sending paper mail to Ten Tara Blvd., Fifth Floor, Nashua, NH 03062. Also, check out our web page at http://www.solid-state.com - we need your help, so contact us. We promise to make the 1997 issues of Solid State Technology the best ever.