Your New Semiconductor.net

You've probably noticed changes to Semiconductor International over the past several months, including a redesigned look to our pages, the SEMI News and Views section, our new Advanced Research column, as well as new (and returning) contributing editors, Sally Cole Johnson and Ruth DeJule. But what you may not know is that we've also been hard at work on a new, refreshed website, which we have just rolled out to the public. Besides having a great new look, it's packed with more ways to get what you need to stay informed, and easier ways to find the features and information you've already come to expect from Semiconductor.net.

You probably already know that the news on Semiconductor.net is updated throughout the day, bringing you the latest industry news as it happens. That hasn't changed on the new site — it's just gotten better. In addition to the original content coming from SI editors and sister publication Electronic News, you will find more original news items from around the web. That includes not only more content from our own publishing network of magazines, such as EDN, Electronic Business and Test & Measurement World, but also from other leading sites throughout the industry. Yes, you'll even find news from our competitors. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to find all the semiconductor manufacturing information you're looking for — no matter where it is.

We've also made it even easier to find the great material that our LexisNexis feed has to offer, including original press releases and local perspectives from newspapers around the world. Find out what Singapore's journalists, for example, are writing about recent investments in the city-state from Novellus and Qimonda; or what newspapers in Albany, N.Y., are reporting about AMD's move to the area.

If you're trying to find a new cookie recipe or some new art prints for your walls, Google is probably the most popular search engine there is. But if what you're actually looking for are semiconductor wafers or a discussion of the latest lithography technology, our new Zibb search will better fit the bill. Zibb is designed as a vertical search — taking your search terms and finding more relevant news and information. And again, this information is coming not only from Semiconductor.net , but also from around the web.

You may have already been familiar with Semiconductor.net's special channels related to your specific areas of interest — whether that's semiconductor packaging, clean processing or business. Now, those pages offer the same comprehensive coverage as our homepage (news, features, total web coverage), just drilled down even further to your specific area of interest.

We've also added two new technology channels: Fab Facilities and Related Industries. At the Related Industries channel, keep up with some of the hottest and most interesting technologies going on around the periphery of semiconductor manufacturing — nanotechnology, MEMS, photovoltaics, optoelectronics, displays and more.

Are you familiar with our TalkBack functionality? It lets you comment on any article posted on Semiconductor.net. On the new site, we've brought that functionality more to the forefront, making it easier to see what your peers are saying about industry trends, and giving you the chance to throw in your own two cents.

We also want to hear your comments in our brand new blog space, where SI editors and industry experts will be offering insightful analysis on our industry's news. I'm very excited about a new blog from Editor-in-Chief Pete Singer, who has been covering the industry for Semiconductor International for 25 years. IEEE Fellow Philip Garrou will also have a regular blog, offering his insight into leading-edge technology. Check out Sally Cole Johnson's blog on the business aspects surrounding capital equipment, plus our team effort, “SI's Take on SEMICON West.”

There's loads more I could tell you about, including easier-to-find podcasts, technical content from our print issue, weekly polls, and a slew of helpful resources. But it's probably better if you just go check it out to find out what would be most useful to you. When you find it, let us know. We'd love to hear how you're able to make Semiconductor.net work for you. If you can't find it, let us know about that too, so we can continue to make the improvements that will help you stay informed.

Editor's Note: As you've probably noticed, our new website has not yet launched. Please check back in a few days to see all the changes.