News
Oyster Bay, NY -- Annual global sales of "dual-mode"
mobile phones -- which can connect to either a conventional cellular
service or a Wi-Fi network -- are likely to exceed 100 million by 2010,
according to a new study by ABI Research.
Dual-mode handsets have been virtually unknown to consumers until recently, and have not penetrated the enterprise space to any degree either.
But according to ABI Research senior analyst Philip Solis, some of the giants of global telecommunications -- notably British Telecom and Korea Telecom -- plan to offer dual-mode services by the end of 2005. That could start a very large ball rolling.
"The advantages of dual mode handsets and services, when they arrive, can be summed up in two words: seamless and economical," Solis said. Though the full spectrum of capabilities won't appear in the first generation of products, when these services are mature you will be able to start a phone call at home (connecting to residential Wi-Fi network and then broadband VOIP phone service), continue it in your car (switching to your cellular provider's network) and wind it up at work (phone switches to 802.11 LAN, and VoIP). The handset would sense the available signals and switch automatically from one network mode to another.
Dual-mode handsets have been virtually unknown to consumers until recently, and have not penetrated the enterprise space to any degree either.
But according to ABI Research senior analyst Philip Solis, some of the giants of global telecommunications -- notably British Telecom and Korea Telecom -- plan to offer dual-mode services by the end of 2005. That could start a very large ball rolling.
"The advantages of dual mode handsets and services, when they arrive, can be summed up in two words: seamless and economical," Solis said. Though the full spectrum of capabilities won't appear in the first generation of products, when these services are mature you will be able to start a phone call at home (connecting to residential Wi-Fi network and then broadband VOIP phone service), continue it in your car (switching to your cellular provider's network) and wind it up at work (phone switches to 802.11 LAN, and VoIP). The handset would sense the available signals and switch automatically from one network mode to another.
Anaheim, CA -- DDi Corp. reported first quarter 2005 sales of $44.9 million, up 2% sequentially but down 7% year-on-year.
The decrease is related to a reduction in the number of PCB layers shipped, reflecting a softer market. Partially offsetting the decline in PCB sales was a $1.8 million increase in net sales from the quick-turn assembly operation.
Despide the limited PCB growth, president and CEO Bruce McMaster added that March PCB bookings were at their highest level since October 2003.
Gross profit for the quarter was $8 million, up from $5.6 million for the first quarter 2004, due to a $6 million decrease in non-cash compensation charges and intangibles from the prior year. Excluding non-cash charges, adjusted gross profit increased sequentially by $0.5 million on the $0.9 million increase in sequential net sales.
The company reported net income of $9.7 million from discontinued operations, primarily due to a $11.1 million non-cash gain on the disposition of DDi Europe.
DDi announced that it will close its Arizona plant to shift production of mass lamination cores back to its four North American PCB plants. It is also closing is Corporate Support Center in Colorado Springs to streamline operations from its Anaheim headquarters.
The decrease is related to a reduction in the number of PCB layers shipped, reflecting a softer market. Partially offsetting the decline in PCB sales was a $1.8 million increase in net sales from the quick-turn assembly operation.
Despide the limited PCB growth, president and CEO Bruce McMaster added that March PCB bookings were at their highest level since October 2003.
Gross profit for the quarter was $8 million, up from $5.6 million for the first quarter 2004, due to a $6 million decrease in non-cash compensation charges and intangibles from the prior year. Excluding non-cash charges, adjusted gross profit increased sequentially by $0.5 million on the $0.9 million increase in sequential net sales.
The company reported net income of $9.7 million from discontinued operations, primarily due to a $11.1 million non-cash gain on the disposition of DDi Europe.
DDi announced that it will close its Arizona plant to shift production of mass lamination cores back to its four North American PCB plants. It is also closing is Corporate Support Center in Colorado Springs to streamline operations from its Anaheim headquarters.
Göteborg, Sweden - FlexLink AB, a provider of factory automation systems in the manufacturing and assembly industries, has been acquisired by ABN AMRO Capital, a European private equity provider. FlexLink was acquired via a management buy-out from EQT, the private equity funds group that acquired a 90% interest in FlexLink from AB SKF in 1997.
Founded in 1980, Flexlink has 540 employees, with its head office in Göteborg and business activities in 50 countries.
Johan Bjurström, Nordic Head of ABN AMRO Capital, said the company had prospered under its previous ownership but had further potential for geographic growth and to lead consolidation in its sector - key investment criteria for ABN AMRO Capital. "FlexLink is well positioned for future growth, as factory automation systems continue to develop in sophistication in response to the increased use of robotics and the growing need for flexibility in manufacturing," he said.
Founded in 1980, Flexlink has 540 employees, with its head office in Göteborg and business activities in 50 countries.
Johan Bjurström, Nordic Head of ABN AMRO Capital, said the company had prospered under its previous ownership but had further potential for geographic growth and to lead consolidation in its sector - key investment criteria for ABN AMRO Capital. "FlexLink is well positioned for future growth, as factory automation systems continue to develop in sophistication in response to the increased use of robotics and the growing need for flexibility in manufacturing," he said.
Jersey City, NJ - Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials has launched an RoHS Materials Declaration Service on its Website to provide access to information for many of its lead-free products.
The site -- alphametals.com/lead_free/rohs.html - should facilitate the search for RoHS-compliant materials (RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC restricts the use of six hazardous materials, including lead, from electrical and electronic equipment).
The format for declarations is based on the design of the joint industry group of EIA, EICTA and JGPSSI. The library of declarations will be updated regularly.
The site -- alphametals.com/lead_free/rohs.html - should facilitate the search for RoHS-compliant materials (RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC restricts the use of six hazardous materials, including lead, from electrical and electronic equipment).
The format for declarations is based on the design of the joint industry group of EIA, EICTA and JGPSSI. The library of declarations will be updated regularly.
Harrisburg, PA - Phoenix Contact Inc., a manufacturer of specialized electronic components and connection systems, has added a second Infomobile for use at customer sites and trade shows.
The Infomobile is an informational and educational vehicle that provides hands-on demonstrations of the company's products. The newest vehicle features a simulated control room where products interact to produce real-time industrial solutions.
The Infomobile is available to visit all types of businesses, including manufacturing plants and engineering firms. The vehicles currently visit more than a dozen countries.
Visit www.phoenixcon.com/info for a complete schedule of stops.
MINNEAPOLIS -- Nortech Systems Inc. reported net sales of
$19.1 million for the first quarter ended March 31, up 27% over the same period in
2004.
Operating income rose 64% to $315,333, while net income more than doubled to $98,892.
Operating income rose 64% to $315,333, while net income more than doubled to $98,892.
"This year has started very well, with positive momentum continuing from the second half of 2004," says Mike Degen, President and CEO of Nortech Systems. "Our diverse customer base remains a core strength."
Sales growth was led by aerospace systems and electronics assembly.
As previously announced, the company expects revenues in fiscal 2005 to increase eight to 10%, in the range of $78 million to $80 million.