July 2000 Vol. Your guide on this tour back through time is one of our regular contributors, Walt Mathews, a professional journalist who has been in the right place at the right time often enough to have seen much of the history of this industry with his own eyes as it was happening. Walt also has had the opportunity to speak directly with most of the industry legends he introduces us to in his article. Halfway into another year of a multi-year growth cycle, have no doubt that the crowds will confirm the current strength of the industry. Unlike last year, however, I'll bet every ear that answers to shareholders will be scanning the back-channel conversations for news about double ordering, cancellations and consolidations.
Nobody wants to be the last one to realize when the party is over.
The mood is either upbeat or it's not, the floor is either full or it's not, and the amount of money being spent in booths and hospitality rooms is usually a good indication of the last quarter's bookings. For those of you who rely more on hard numbers to make your decisions, VLSI Research has the latest data on the growth of the markets for equipment and materials. Our mid-year update will help you put the talk from the street in perspective with the dollars moving through the market. If you want to look even farther ahead, take a look at some of the big challenges our industry will face over the coming decades with regard to hiring trained technical staff. SEMI this month will announce new programs to promote education at all grade levels.