Here’s our last issue of the year. For Publitek, 2005 has been a record year and I’d like to welcome our new electronics clients and thank those who will continue to work with us into 2006 and beyond. I am also pleased to welcome our new PR partners in Beijing, Tokyo, Taipei and Seoul who are enabling us to offer an outstandingly competitive, global PR and marcom service to our clients. My last sales pitch for 2005, I promise. Happy holidays!
Five German publishing-houses: Vogel Industrie-Medien (Elektronik-Praxis), Moderne Industrie (Elektronik-Industrie), Österreichischer Wirtschaftsverlag (Elektronik-Journal), AT-Fachverlag (Elektronik-Informationen) and publish-industry (D&V) have expressed serious concerns about the results of the LA ELFA 2005 research study, often presented by rival publisher WEKA to demonstrate their strength of magazine and online readership in the German electronics market. As a result, they have agreed to commission their own independent study. No dates have been given for this work but, in a statement, they invited WEKA to participate. A recent injunction served on WEKA to prevent the publisher using the LA ELFA 2005 study has been lifted, the court unequivocally upholding LA ELFA 2005 in its judgment of November 25, saying it was “an investigation, undertaken by a third party, that fulfills the fundamental requirements of neutrality, objectivity and expertise.”
CONTACT
Web: http://www.la-elfa.org
Electronic Design Europe published its final print edition last month (November). Commencing January 2006, the content will be delivered as a screen-size, 16 page digital magazine, twice per month. In what publisher Penton describes as “a ground-breaking leap forward” the company claims to have developed the technical media delivery in an easy to read format, with no conventional display advertising. Revenue will be generated from sponsored link boxes which direct readers to specific vendor URLs pertinent to the subject area. Deeper analysis and support information on technical articles will be accessible via drill-down functions straight from the page to the Electronic Design Europe website. The magazine will retain its distinctly European flavour with editor-in-chief Paul Whytock, based in London, driving the content.
CONTACT
Editorial: Paul Whytock, editor-in-chief, paul.whytock@pentoneurope.com
Advertising: Alastair Swift, alastair@asa-media.com
There have been a number of editorial changes in the electronics titles at Reed Business Information (RBI). Following the recent departure of Bill Schweber, who left his job at executive editor of EDN to take up a new post at EE Times (CMP), Joshua Israelson announced that he was leaving the publication too. Joshua moves to become director of publications at power semiconductor company, IR. Joshua will continue to write a column for EDN on a freelance basis and would like to continue to receive press releases (see below for contact details). John Dodge, previously editor-in-chief at EDN, has become editor-in-chief of Electronic Business while Maury Wright once again becomes editor-editor-in-chief of EDN. A press release from Reed has also announced " tighter integration of content across Electronic Business, Electronic News and EDN. " RBI’s Boston Division President Stephen Moylan said “we are confident advertisers will be excited by their enhanced reach into the electronics marketplace. Moreover, our readers will benefit from the improved connection of our content.” (Cutting costs was not mentioned in the release - Ed.) Lastly, John Schirmer has been promoted to group publisher of EDN, Electronic Business, and Electronic News.
CONTACT
Editorial: Maury Wright, editor-in-chief EDN, mgwright@edn.com;
John Dodge, editor-in-chief Electronic Business, john.dodge@reedbusiness.com;
Joshua Israelson, EDN contributing editor, edn-joshua@mindspring.com
Advertising: John Schirmer, group publisher, jschirmer@reedbusiness.com
On January 16 next year, Electronic Design-China (ED-China) will launch its complementary website ed-china.com ahead of the magazine’s inaugural issue in March. There will be 14 design channels providing the latest technology and methodologies in embedded systems, mobile communications, portable devices, power management and other major design areas, says the publisher. Engineers can also participate in ed-china.com’s Design Forum to exchange views and information with their peers. Key forum topics include consumer electronics, communications and networking, and automotive electronics. Said ED-China publisher Mark Saunderson: “More than 2,000 editorial articles will be available at launch.”
CONTACT
Editorial: Yorbe Zhang, yzhang@globalsources.com
Advertising, Asia: Bennie Hui, bennie@globalsources.com
Advertising, USA: Brandon Smith, bsmith@globalsources.com
Advertising, Europe: Alastair Swift, alastair@asa-media.com
Web: http://ed-china.com
In March 2006, Electronic Engineering Times-China and Electronics Supply & Manufacturing-China will publish the Embedded Systems Special Supplement—an overview of China’s embedded systems market. The supplement will examine prevailing and emerging embedded technologies, new product rollouts and industry news. It will also feature special technical reports on hot embedded design topics including multimedia transmission and 32-bit processor development. Included with the March 2006 issues of EE Times-China and ESM-China, the supplement will reach 84,498 China-based design engineers and engineering, corporate and procurement managers across China, says publisher, Mark Saunders of Global Sources. It will also be released in digital format, available online at EE Times-China and ESM-China starting in March. Embedded Systems is part of a special content series presented by EE Times-China and ESM-China. Previous supplements have focused on power technologies, automotive electronics and portable technologies.
CONTACT
Editorial: Yorbe Zhang, yzhang@globalsources.com
Advertising, Asia: Bennie Hui, bennie@globalsources.com
Advertising, USA: Craig Pitcher, cpitcher@globalsources.com
Advertising, Europe: Patrick Flynn, pflynn@cmp.com
Electronic Engineering Times-China has released its annual China Design Techniques Survey, which shows that 63 percent of mainland China design engineers are producing or reworking original designs. Of the 1,279 China engineers that took part in the study, 30 percent are producing original designs based on existing products; 18 percent are reworking original designs; and 15 percent are creating new designs. Other designers reference existing foreign or domestic designs in developing products. A trend toward higher productivity is emerging: 14 percent of surveyed engineers undertook six to eight projects in the past year – up four percent from 2004. Fewer engineers are executing just one or two projects – 29 percent of the current survey’s respondents, compared to 32 percent in 2004. Today, 36 percent make the final decision on part selection; 27 percent make recommendations to their project manager; and 25 percent jointly decide on components with their purchasing department. Consumer electronics applications are the main focus of 41 percent of surveyed designers. Other key application segments include communications (39 percent), industrial controls and security devices (23 percent) and computer systems and peripherals (14 percent). Eight percent of engineers are designing automotive products – up slightly from last year’s 6 percent. The survey also analyzes engineers’ design priorities and the proportion of designs that will be exported. Results can be downloaded from the link below.
CONTACT
Editorial: Yorbe Zhang, yzhang@globalsources.com
Advertising, Asia: Bennie Hui, bennie@globalsources.com
Advertising, USA: Craig Pitcher, cpitcher@globalsources.com
Advertising, Europe: Patrick Flynn, pflynn@cmp.com
Web: http://www.eetchina.com/SITE/CDT05_EN.HTM
Electronics Supply & Manufacturing-China’s annual Salary & Career Development Survey shows managers in mainland China’s electronics industry receive average annual salaries of US$8,006. Seventy-five percent recently received pay increases averaging 11 percent; and 63 percent received performance-based bonuses averaging US$1,936. More than 1,300 managers responded to the survey. Benefits offered as part of compensation packages include pension plans - received by 74 percent, medical/health insurance (69 percent), life insurance (48 percent), vacation/personal travel allowance (41 percent), food and beverage allowance (41 percent). Respondents are typically 30 years old and work 47 hours a week. Twenty-seven percent work in consumer electronics, 17 percent in communications, 15 percent in electronic components and 9 percent in computer systems and peripherals. 43 percent would like to earn a higher salary, 42 percent want more career growth, and 32 percent want a position with more responsibility. According to the research, most plan to take action in the next 12 months: 26 percent will look for new employment, 18 percent plan to upgrade their job skills, and 16 percent plan to find a different job within the same company. In evaluating new employment opportunities, managers rated total cash income the most important factor.
CONTACT
Editorial: Major Lee, majorlee@globalsources.com
Advertising, Asia: Bennie Hui, bennie@globalsources.com
Advertising, USA: Craig Pitcher, cpitcher@globalsources.com
Advertising, Europe: Patrick Flynn, pflynn@cmp.com
Survey results: http://www.esmchina.com/SITE/SALARYSURVEY2005EN.PDF
Electronic Design has launched findpowerproducts.com, a database-focused web site for selection of power products. According to publisher, Bill Baumann, the findpowerproducts.com database contains relevant information on all major OEM power supply categories, including UPSs, power management ICs, and power MOSFETs. Product introductions and revisions from a multitude of manufacturers are updated daily, adding to the 13,000 records currently in the database. Search results are displayed in tabular format that allows a comparison of similar products from different manufacturers. As products are introduced or revised, the database updates the information and indicates what new products have been added. Manufacturers receive a free listing for products that have been introduced or revised since January 2002. Paid advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available to marketers.
CONTACT
Editorial: Sam Davis, technical editor, sdavis@penton.com
Advertising: Bill Baumann, publisher, bbaumann@penton.com
Both Reed and Penton have announced re-designs of the electronics publications in the US and Europe that appear to be driven by the rising costs of paper and print. Reed’s US version of ECN shrinks to 10 inches by 11.5 inches from January while their UK publication, Electronics Weekly, trims down to 226mm x 300mm on January 11. Penton’s EE Product News recently became a diminished 10.125 inches by 11 inches. These changes may have some impact on advertising strategies. As one Reed salesman commented, “we are no longer encouraging bookings for junior pages.” (We look forward to seeing handy pocket-size publications if the trend continues -Ed.)
CONTACT
Editorial: Richard Wilson, editor, Electronics Weekly, richard.wilson@rbi.co.uk;
Aimee Kalnoskas, editor-in-chief, ECN, akalnoskas@reedbusiness.com;
Joseph Desposito, editor-in chief, EE Product News, jdesposito@penton.com
EDN Europe is considering holding a power management seminar, possible in Maastricht, in the latter part of 2006. They are presently trying to gauge possible interest. If you’re interested in participating, let them know!
CONTACT
Editorial: Graham Prophet, editor, EDN Europe, gprophet@reedbusiness.com
Advertising: John Waddell, jwadds@compuserve.com
Power Systems Design China is increasing its publishing frequency from 4 to 6 times per year, commencing with the January/February 2006 issue. An online version will be published 8 times per year, including a 3-issue ‘Power Pack’ to coincide with PCIM China 2006 in Shanghai. Publisher AGS Media claims a circulation of 10,000 power electronics engineers for its print publication.
CONTACT
Editorial: Liu Hong, editor, Liu.Hong@powersystemsdesignchina.com
Advertising: Julia Stocks, Julia@powersystemsdesign.com
Web: http://www.powersystemsdesignchina.com
AGS Media is to launch Power Systems Design North America as an online addition to its European and Chinese print/online offerings. It will be published 10 times in 2006. Jim Graham, Worldwide Publishing Director of the company said, “we are fully committed to delivering a strong product to our subscribers and our advertisers. This is an important milestone for our global franchise. As a small company, we are extremely pleased with our growth in the power niche and the support we receive from the global power community.” The publisher also claims 39% growth in advertising and editorial pages for its flagship European title, Power Systems Design Europe.
CONTACT
Editorial: Bodo Arlt, editor, Europe and North America, bodo.arlt@powersystemsdesign.com
Advertising: Julia Stocks, Julia@powersystemsdesign.com
Web: http://www.powersystemsdesign.com
On November 28, Electronic Engineering Times-Asia launched eetindia.com, its first website focusing on the specific information needs of India’s electronic engineers. Mark Saunderson, EE Times-Asia Publisher said: “India’s electronics segment is fast evolving. In 2003 alone, its imports of key subassemblies and components reached US$6.6 billion. And India-based engineers have a growing need for the very latest technology and application methodologies to accomplish profitable designs. Electronic Engineering Times-India Online is our response to this demand.” eetindia.com will present 11 technology channels focusing on design segments including power management, RF design, networking, and embedded design. Sponsorship packages will be available to deliver advertisers’ messages across the EE Times-Asia network—India, Asia, Korea, Taiwan and mainland China.
CONTACT
Editorial: Yorbe Zhang, yzhang@globalsources.com
Advertising, Asia: Bennie Hui, bennie@globalsources.com
Advertising, USA: Craig Pitcher, cpitcher@globalsources.com
Advertising, Europe: Patrick Flynn, pflynn@cmp.com
Web: http://www.eetindia.com
EE Times China has announced a number of specialised websites, mimicking the strategy of eetimes.com in the US. Sites for cellphones, media players and automotive electronics are being introduced, each of which will offer over 500 specialised technical reports, according to publisher Global Sources Ltd. They also claim that over 30,000 engineers have registered for site access since September.
CONTACT
Editorial: Yorbe Zhang, yzhang@globalsources.com
Advertising, Asia: Bennie Hui, bennie@globalsources.com
Advertising, USA: Craig Pitcher, cpitcher@globalsources.com
Advertising, Europe: Patrick Flynn, pflynn@cmp.com
Web: http://cellphone.eetchina.com;
http://auto.eetchina.com;
http://mediaplayer.eetchina.com
DFA Media is organising a 3-day conference at the UK’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) from May 16-18 2006 to help companies whose products have an electrical or electronic content to tackle the challenged of an increasingly regulated environment. The conference will cover issues surrounding RoHS, WEEE, EuP, ATEX, EMC, LD, EMF and IEE wiring regulations. Organiser Ian Atkinson says, “these conferences will enable such companies to evaluate the implications of regulatory compliance issues for their business and address them successfully.”
CONTACT
Organiser: Ian Atkinson, ian@dfamedia.co.uk
Web: http://www.needs06.co.uk
Elektroniktidningen claims that unique visitors to its website, which was relaunched in August, have increased from 7,500 to 10,300 per month since last May. Marketing Manager Fredrik Soderberg says it makes it the leading site for the electronics market in Sweden. Since its relaunch, Elektroniktidningen is now a technical monthly magazine for Scandinavian design engineers. The controlled circulation is claimed to be 15,400 copies/issue. In addition to the website there is a daily newsletter with around 2,000 subscribers.
CONTACT
Editorial: Adam Edstöm, editor-in-chief, adam@etn.se
Advertising: Fredrik Soderberg, fredrik@etn.se
Web: http://www.etn.se
Elektronik i Norden has made an award for “the best electronics company in Sweden 2005” to Berth Johansson, manager for development at Malå GeoScience. The ceremony took place at the publication’s yearly Bransch-punschen event, which attracted 200 people from the electronics industry. In addition to the newspaper itself, the judges were Swedish associations IM-föreningen and Elektronikindustriföreningen. Elektronik i Norden (previously Modern Elektronik) instituted the prize 25 years ago. Malå Geoscience develops instruments for ground penetration radar. In the 9/11 catastrophe area at World Trade Center in New York their instruments were used for mapping underground utilities to minimise risks to life during clearance work. Elektronik i Norden claims to print and distribute at least 25 000 copies to subscribers in the Nordic countries, having recently extended its circulation to the Baltic states.
CONTACT
Editorial: Gunnar Lilliesköld, editor-in-chief /publisher, gunnar@elinor.se
Advertising: Tommy Jägermo, advertising director, tommy@elinor.se
ESC Boston (25-28 September, 2006) show organiser CMP has issued a call for abstracts via their online submission form (see below). These are required by January 23, 2006.
CONTACT
Organiser: Elaine Wai, ewai@cmp.com
Abstract submissions: http://www.esconline.com/cfa