For far too long, EDA companies have been more reactive than proactive in producing technology that meets our customers' needs. We must take a stronger leadership role in technology evolution. Developing technology roadmaps that span years and that stand the test of time positions us to be the source of information and trust upon which our customers and partners can depend.

It's no easy task. To play this role, this industry will need to have much greater insight into its customers — their technology needs and their business needs. Understanding where and how our customers differentiate themselves and where we can add value by providing the tools and services they need to enhance productivity and efficiency is our role. Increasing our comprehension of their end markets and business practices is essential to relating to their needs.

The industry achieves this understanding by working much more closely with its customers and partners. These tighter relationships will provide us the knowledge and experience we need to supply them with greater value. Cadence will continue to gain credibility through its execution, and forge long-lasting business and technology relationships.

Openness is the key to building these tighter relationships and moving EDA forward. With the increased complexity involved in designing and producing chips, packages and systems, an open environment for development is essential.

Our customers are pragmatic and they know that no one company can do it alone. They will increasingly move to open platforms to ensure interoperability and flexibility in choosing their tools. We will move our industry forward, and provide a greater service to the electronics industry, when we all compete in an open environment. Let the "chips" fall where they may; whoever is best wins.

I may be a tad biased, but I firmly believe Cadence will come out on top. We have a great team of technologists and best-of-breed technology in all phases of today's design process, with exciting things to come that will address tomorrow's challenges. We have been a driving force via the OpenAccess Initiative, and we have developed deep and mutually beneficial relationships with our premier design partners, establishing credibility and trust through our execution.

Cadence is a company that partners because it cares about its customers' well being. That approach is a recipe for profitability — for our customers and ourselves — in both the short and long term.

Still, our future success depends upon trust, and trust is something that has to be earned. Our customers must have confidence and know that they can count on us to be there over the long haul with essential information, technology and services. These characteristics have defined Cadence and will continue to differentiate us as a company.

As CEO and the newest member of the team, my goal is to foster the environment that helps Cadence build upon the trust we have established throughout the electronics industry. To accomplish this, we will continue to innovate and strive for excellence! Ultimately, we will demonstrate to our customers, with collaboration and support, that Cadence is the company to serve as their trusted advisor.

Mike Fister is president and CEO of Cadence Design Systems, Inc.