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INTRODUCTION

The fundamental measures of success for any business are economic. The Electronics Industry has provided rapid improvements in technologies and capabilities that have provided enormous benefits. Global markets have responded with major increases in demand for all types of products. The demand provides the profits and capital required to support the tremendous growth. The future also contains major growth potential in many new areas. The computer, communication, consumer electronics, and information markets are currently crating major demand. There are other markets, such as autos, that may have even more growth opportunities.

Successful electronics companies will benefit with increased orders for products and services. Those companies that can rapidly define and develop excellent products will enjoy "premium" margins. They will enhance their profits until the competitions responds with competitive products that force the market prices down into cost based pricing. Companies must continually innovate and create exciting new products to be successful.

A key element for success is the ability for a company to quickly respond with very competitive, high quality, and low cost products. Although the electronics industry is one of the most flexible and responsive industries, consumer demand will probably increase the pressure for even faster responsiveness for new products during the next decade.