The Alba Associates program also will give organizations access to key initiatives such as the Virtual Component Exchange (VCX) and the Institute for System Level Integration (ISLI) as a lead into active participation, the organization said.

"Whilst the Alba Centre and the majority of its activities are located physically in Scotland, we want to take a `global village' approach to encourage worldwide participation in the thinking, research and implementation happening here, all of which are meant to advance the state-of-the-art in electronic design everywhere," said Kevin Clark, director of the Alba Centre. "By establishing a wider network of communication and involving more creative minds in our initiatives, Alba can make an even greater contribution as the epicentre -- both physically and virtually -- of SOC-related advancements."

Project Alba's move may be in reponse to the difficulty in attracting enough qualified design engineers to Scotland. The project, with its System Level Institute and a large campus anchored by a Cadence Design Systems Inc. design center, was launched two years ago partly as a way for Scotland's Silicon Glen to attract high-tech employment while avoiding the cyclicality of semiconductor manufacturing. Recently, however, Cadence announced it had to scale back its plans for the center because it could not attract the 500 design engineers it had anticipated (see Oct. 7 story).

The program is open to corporate representatives with an interest in SOC design issues and the specific programs Alba supports to address those issues. There is no fee or cost to join. Other benefits available to members include a special web-site area accessible only by associates, with discussion forums, online conferences, and e-mail bulletins and newsletters highlighting Alba developments. Seminars, events, and information services are also open to associate members.

Registration for the Alba Associate program is free. Interested parties can register though www.albacentre.com/associates.