FEI Introduces FEI.com for Owners Featuring FEI Connect
New Service Enables Online Networking and Sharing of Application Expertise and Best Practices
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007/Hillsboro, Ore.-FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC) has introduced a new and exclusive service for its customers that will enable its prestigious global base of electron microscopy users to collaborate online as a professional community. The service further extends FEI's leadership as a full-solutions provider.
The online service-FEI.com for Owners-is housed on the company's corporate Web site for easy access. In addition to delivering custom content on upgrades and accessories and information on FEI UserClubs and training, the new section features FEI Connect. This is a unique networking tool that provides owners and users of FEI instruments instant access to an exclusive network of peers and FEI applications specialists worldwide.
With membership restricted to only owners and users of FEI tools, FEI Connect operates like a "MySpace" environment where members create unique profiles and enter the community to meet and interact with other members who have similar applications expertise and research or industry interests. The community contains topic-focused user groups on microscopy and nanotechnology, as well as real-time chat, personal and community blogs, and more. Members can also share their work with others in their personal profile area. Since its release in mid-August, nearly 200 participants have registered their instrument and created a profile within the community.
"FEI's network of leading researchers and developers from around the world represents a vast resource of specialized knowledge," commented Rob Fastenau, senior vice president of marketing and development. "We believe that providing this dynamic and exclusive venue for information sharing will contribute to our customer's success, accelerating their scientific discovery and commercialization of new technologies."
Owners and users of FEI tools can access FEI.com for Owners featuring FEI Connect by going to owners.fei.com to register with a valid tool serial number. From there, they can create a personalized profile based on their industry or research specialty, FEI tool and other areas of interest. The community then provides a graphical depiction of other registered users, called People Map. This feature puts the user at the center of the community and displays other users who have similar backgrounds and interests. Users can click on specific profile matches and request a dialogue or meeting via an automated e-mail notification system. They can also easily join existing discussion groups or create new ones.
"Based on the early positive responses to FEI Connect, we expect to have more than 1,000 registered users in the online community by the end of 2008," added Fastenau. "When customers purchase an FEI solution, they are gaining more than the leading nano-enabling technology. They receive the opportunity to access the experience and knowledge of a broad user group to aid their success."
About FEI
FEI's Tools for Nanotech, featuring industry-leading technologies and applications, deliver 3D characterization, analysis and modification capabilities with resolution down to the sub-angstrom level. Supported by its field-experienced applications experts and collaboration with its prestigious global customer network, FEI solutions help research and manufacturing customers succeed by bringing the nanoscale within their grasp and helping them to turn some of the biggest ideas of this century into reality. FEI has R&D centers in North America and Europe, and sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world. More information can be found on the FEI website at: www.fei.com.
