National Semiconductor Demonstrates First Interactive Commercial Application of Java Technology

National Semiconductor has showcased the industry's first interactive commercial application of Sun Microsystems' Java technology, enabling customers to easily search for and find information on over 30,000 products via the Web. The proof-of-concept application, written in Java and powered by CADIS technology, allows users to select product attributes such as power levels, tolerances, and package types to identify candidate products. This system aims to revolutionize the way design engineers and users access product information, providing faster and more intuitive access to technical documentation and product databases.

Key Takeaways:

• National Semiconductor has demonstrated the first interactive commercial application of Sun Microsystems' Java technology, showcasing its potential for the semiconductor industry.
• The application, powered by CADIS technology, allows users to search for and find information on over 30,000 products via the Web, utilizing a parametric search engine for fast and intuitive access.
• The system enables designers to select product attributes such as power levels, tolerances, and package types, narrowing the list of qualifying products and identifying candidate products with relevant product information.
• This is the first large-scale business application for Java in the semiconductor industry, representing a significant shift in how business will provide product information to users in the future.
• National Semiconductor has reported sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 1995, achieving the highest earnings in its history, with a global workforce of 22,400 employees.
• CADIS technology provides classification and retrieval of information related to objects, initially applied to parts information management, allowing customers to organize and instantly access internal part information.
• Companies such as General Electric, Tektronix, Ingersoll-Rand, 3M, Applied Materials, Navistar, and Raytheon/Beech have utilized CADIS technology for their parts information management.

Statistics:

• Over 1,200 participants were demonstrated the proof-of-concept application at Sun's Java conference in Menlo Park.
• National Semiconductor has a global workforce of 22,400 employees.
• The company reported sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 1995, achieving the highest earnings in its history.
• CADIS technology has been applied to parts information management for companies including General Electric, Tektronix, and Ingersoll-Rand.

Sources:

• National Semiconductor
• CADIS, Inc.
• Sun Microsystems, Inc.
• Business Wire, "National Semiconductor Demonstrates Industry's First Interactive Commercial Application of Java Technology" (November 9, 1995)