REDMOND, WA – Data I/O has purchased $3 million worth of source code, patents and other IP to strengthen its technology base and expand its software offerings. 

The maker of IC and memory chip programmers said the new technology would be incorporated into products currently under development and would be the basis for new software offerings in “adjacent market spaces.”

“This will be a foundational element for creating growth,” said Fred Hume, president and CEO.  “This software complements our hardware offerings and enhances the entire Data I/O product portfolio.”

Data I/O will pay about $2 million in cash and issue $1 million in company common stock for the software, and pay royalties of 4% of directly associated revenues for five years. The company has hired two workers to assist in transferring and implementing the technology. Data I/O did not disclose the source of the software.

RENTON, WA – Microscan has launched a free online barcode generator that permits visitors to create, save and email custom barcodes.

More than 19 different symbologies, ranging from linear barcodes to stacked codes, and 2D symbologies, as well as a custom color feature, are now available at http://www.microscan.com/en-us/trainingandresources/freebarcodegenerator.aspx.

The following codes are supported: Code 39, Code 39 Extended, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 11, Codabar, UPC-A, Industrial 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, Code 93, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 128, PDF417, Data Matrix and MaxiCode.

Microscan also provides on-demand multimedia training presentations and other resources. Additional online tools include an extensive video library, webinars, and training for codes and symbols, machine vision, machine vision lighting, auto ID, and products, as well as white papers on advances in trace, trace and control technology.

MUNICH -- Is the West coming back? SMT placement machine manufacturers saw orders hit new highs in January and February, topping even the marks during the beginning of previous boom years.

ST. LOUIS -- Viasystems Group reported first-quarter net sales at its EMS unit rose 28% to $46 million in the period ended March 31. Operating income rose 40% to $1.4 million.