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ROCKLIN, CA -- International DisplayWorks reported first-quarter revenues increased 85% to $18.1 million, a record, for the period ended Jan. 31.

Gross profit rose 53% to $3.6 million, while net income rose to $1 million.

"We are clearly executing our strategic growth plan, exceeding previous records for revenue, managing expenses and producing record profitability," said Tom Lacey, IDW's chairman and chief executive.

IDW guided for second quarter revenue of $22 million to $23 million.

International DisplayWorks manufactures and designs LCDs, modules and assemblies in China.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Alan Rae of NanoDynamics took home the best paper award at January's Pan Pacific Microelectronics Symposium.

Rae's paper, "Nanotechnology and Low Temperature Electronics Assembly," discussed concerns among board assemblers that some components are not - and will not - be ready for lead-free assembly.

He also revealed that assemblers of "exempt" boards -- military, aerospace, and automotive -- are finding that lead-containing components may no longer be available, which will force conversion of these complex boards.

Nanotechnology, Rae says, enables a number of tools which permit lower temperature assembly through enhanced solders, adhesives and novel attachment methods.

The award was selected by attendees of the Pan Pacific Symposium, which is sponsored by the SMTA.

UTICA, NY -- Dr. Ron Lasky, an expert on soldering, has launched a web log on electronics assembly.

The blog, sponsored by Indium Corp., is at indium.com/drlasky.

The blog offers comments on current events and ideas for process improvements. Readers can view the blog, follow links, and offer comments.

In a statement, Dr. Lasky said, "Blogging is a great method of staying in touch with our customers. It offers a quick way to share and record observations and ideas, and to solicit feedback. It lets our customers learn of, and weigh in on, important issues."

ALAMEDA, CA - Technology Forecasters' June conference on the EMS supply chian will be hosted by Microsoft at the software giant's main campus in Seattle.

The conference, known as Quarterly Forum, takes place June 9-10.

Microsoft recently joined the Quarterly Forum for Electronics Manufacturing Outsourcing and Supply Chain to strengthen relationships with outsourcing and supply chain partners in the electronics industry.

In a statement, a company spokesman said Microsoft is hosting the event "to help our suppliers and supply chain partners learn about and put in practice new business efficiencies to our mutual benefit."

TFI will release its annual benchmarking study on the EMS industry in June.

WEST CHICAGO, IL - M-Wave Inc. has acquired the assets of Jayco Ventures Inc. for approximately $1.4 million, the company said today.

M-Wave brokers printed circuit boards and components.

M-Wave, which released its fourth-quarter results last week, upped its 2005 guidance to $34.6 million, nearly double 2004's sales. M-Wave projects revenues of $15.3 million from JVI.

M-Wave will also split into two operating units, with its PCB unit becoming M-Wave Electro-Mechanical Group. Bob Duke, VP of sales and marketing, was named divisional president.

The other unit, M-Wave Digital Broadband Services, will manage JVI's assets, and will do business as JVI Technologies. JVI founder Jason Cohen was named the subdiary's president.

M-Wave expects revenue for its fourth-quarter ended Dec. 31, of $3.89 million, up 17% over the fourth quarter of 2003. Gross margin is expected to be 21%, up from 8%.

The annual revenue of $17.5 million for fiscal 2004 is up 23% increase from 2003. The net loss improved to $2.24 million, from $12.1 million last year. The 2004 results include a one-time charge of approximately $1.9 million.

The loss from operations was $1.2 million, versus $13 million in fiscal 2003. Gross margins improved to 18%, from a loss of 12%.

SAN FRANCISCO - Despite a modest improvement over January, CIO spending expectations are dropping from last year, according to the latest poll of the nation's tech leaders.

For the third straight month, large enterprises reduced spending expectations to 2% growth for the year.

Deutsche Bank, in a research note today, said growth rates for most major technology product areas will slow in 2005. DB forecasts IT spending will grow 4 to 5% this year, down one point from 2004.

Small companies - those with less than 100 employees - see higher IT spending. CIOs at these firms predict 8.7% growth this year. The largest companies (more than 5000 workers) are the most cautious, forecasting 2.2% growth.

Security is the top priority, with storage a close second.