Atom by atom, scientists build 'invisible' machines of the future; molecular manufacturing could help clean the air, heal the sick and create novel materials

Article Abstract:

Nanotechnology, or the manipulation of matter molecule by molecule, atom by atom, is an emerging field that could lead to the creation of very minute electronic circuits and machines. The technology attempts to build structures measurable in nanometers, or billionths of a meter. It draws upon the strides made in physics, chemistry, biology and computer science and could eventually allow the manufacture of such innovations as a supercomputer that is invisible to the naked eye or tiny robots that could travel through the body and do surgery on damaged cells. IBM has demonstrated the ability to precisely manipulate atoms when it created its company logo by positioning 35 atoms of the element xenon in 1990. Molecular manufacturing has led to the development of scanning probe microscopes that have allowed scientists to see individual atoms and is being tried in genetic engineering, chemical synthesis and computer programs that can simulate molecules.

Research, Technological forecasting, Molecular computing, Nanotechnology, Product introduction, Future Technologies, Future of Computing, Scientific Research, New Technique

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A novel idea: customer satisfaction; Finis Conner deduces what customers want and provides it. The result: hypergrowth

Article Abstract:

Finis F. Conner is known as a lavish spender even among Silicon Valley's elite millionaires, but the hypergrowth of his company, Conner Peripherals Inc, is drawing even more attention. In 1989 Conner Peripherals' sales increased by $705 million, making it the fastest growing start-up venture in US history. Conner Peripherals is making its fortune by filling the need for smaller hard disk drives used in portable computers. Analysts say Conner focused on producing the 3.5-inch drives at just the right time, while its competition was still making the larger 5.25-inch drives. Conner's philosophy is to listen to its large customers and provide them with the products they need.

Computer storage devices, Growth (Physiology), Disk drives, Hard disk drives, Computer storage device industry, Management Style, Growth, Hard Disk Drive, Conner Peripherals Inc., Conner, Finis F.

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A credit card offshoot blossoms

Article Abstract:

Verifone Inc, the largest supplier of point-of-sale (POS) terminals that verify credit cards, is a fast growing business thanks to the spreading use of cards. Verifone controls 65 percent of the market for such terminals. Verifone reports that its revenues have grown at a compound rate of 70 percent for the past five years. The company is capitalizing on a trend that sees credit cards being accepted in places such as grocery stores and movie theatres, which never before accepted them. Verifone also is encouraged by the use of magnetic cards by government agencies for things such as food stamps, welfare payments and insurance benefits.

Calculating and accounting equipment, Usage, Credit cards, Computer peripherals industry, Retailing, POS Terminals, VeriFone, VFIC

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