It's apparent that innovation continues to be the driver in the electronics industry, as well as the electronic design automation segment. Over the last several years, we lost sight of that simple concept as we soldiered through the downturn. At last, we're emerging from a period of retrenchment when large and small companies alike relied on their past accomplishments and allowed innovation to fall by the wayside.

It's different now, because today's problems require a fresh look and true innovation. Fortunately, things are changing and innovative solutions are once again being used to solve tough design problems.

Generally speaking, this focus on existing technology rather than innovation created an unexpected opportunity, especially for small and emerging EDA companies that can fill the innovation gaps. In fact, there's evidence to suggest that EDA consumers are making point-tool purchases from various vendors instead of being constrained by a single-vendor design flow.

In some cases, larger EDA vendors have acknowledged this trend, or gap, and are partnering with smaller players because they recognize that they can't do it all themselves. This openness is welcome and helps create opportunities for innovative startup companies. It also spells good news for hardware design teams whose problems are only getting more difficult. To solve their problems, design teams are turning to higher levels of abstraction because they need to complete their designs faster and more accurately, and want to avoid the dire consequences associated with product failure. They, too, are looking for ways to innovate.

An example of innovation at its best is found with the SystemC high-level design language. Hardware design teams have embraced it and the new technology to support it. In addition, they've built their own tool flow to provide help where needed.

Innovation is a global pursuit today. Along with innovative consumer electronics products coming from Europe and Japan, these design communities are adopting new tools and methodologies. With the superfast turnaround and extreme demands of consumer electronics design, it's no wonder.

With the industry in recovery, things have changed. We're moving faster. We're innovating. Uncertainty is being replaced by optimism. Companies are recognizing that the electronics industry is a big marketplace and there's plenty of room for a variety of solutions. The forces are such that EDA consumers own their own tool flows. Point tools are being used to meet the needs of large and small companies.

Within the EDA segment, there's a renewed openness. Companies are collaborating, forming partnerships that would have been unheard of three or four years ago. And, opportunities are being created for everyone. The opportunities are there and the possibilities are limitless.

As the electronics industry continues to show more and more positive signs of recovery, innovation is the driver and we're all adapting to that. I for one welcome its reappearance.

Joan Bartlett, President, Actis Design LLC, Portland, Ore.