Q: Last year, we asked what kind of impact the worldwide economic crisis had on the markets you serve and on how you run your business under these conditions. One year later, what is your perspective?

A: At the beginning of the year with market uncertainties and worldwide media focus on a worsening economy, many experts predicted a significant drop in orders across the board. Almost a year later, here at Nearfield Systems, Inc. (NSI) orders and sales for Microwave antenna test and measurement products and services are holding up well. NSI has received increased interest in innovative and custom antenna test and measurement products. Many of our core customers and new antenna measurement customers are refurbishing or upgrading legacy test equipment and NSI offers innovative solutions to address this unique market.

Q: Do you think that spending for RF and microwave products will increase or decrease in the 2010 military budget?

A: Many people predicted the new administration would immediately reduce defense spending. As we know, procurement funding extends and overlaps administrative turnovers. Clearly, domestic spending is a priority now, but funding for an adequate defense – especially in the areas of communications - is important to the United States and its allies. NSI is aggressively pursuing antenna test and measurement opportunities within the US DoD and the international arena.

Q: There’s a serious shortage of RF engineers out there – what’s the solution? Is your company involved in any programs that might promote or encourage talented engineering students to concentrate on a career in the microwave industry?

A: For more than 20 years, NSI has supported AMTA, (Antenna Measurement Techniques Association), the international professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the state-of-the-art of antenna test and measurement. Each year, AMTA sets aside special technical, professional networking and social events at its annual symposium to encourage engineering students to consider careers in the Microwave industry. In addition, engineering students from all over the world are encouraged to submit technical papers to the AMTA symposium – the best of which are recognized with cash awards and free membership in AMTA. NSI wholly supports AMTA’s student focus as an essential element of its annual Symposium. NSI also encourages cooperation with academia and are actively collaborating with researchers on joint projects at the University of Ottawa, Canada, the University of London, UK and UCLA in Los Angeles.

Q: What do you feel is the greatest opportunity for manufacturers in either the commercial or military sectors?

A: Clearly, communications advancements in both the commercial and military sectors will drive manufacturers to produce antennas with advanced capabilities. For those of us in the test and measurement sector, two factors continue to drive new business: Innovation and Economy. Manufacturers and antenna users – both commercial and military – are driving the industry for faster and cheaper ways to test. NSI’s test and measurement software and ‘building-block’ component products, along with its advanced, in-house test and measurement facilities used by commercial and military customers, offer an attractive, economical solution for antenna test requirements. ♦

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