It seems everyone's feeling flexible these days, bending over backward to help each other. That's part of the season's spirit for many faiths and cultures. Also, everyone's excited about improving business. Whatever the motivation, I like what it means.

• For partners of Microsoft, it means helping customers reduce costs by more efficient information flow, according to Charles Johnson, Microsoft worldwide managing director, Manufacturing Industry Solutions Group. Fewer than 5% of companies consider themselves operating in real time now, but more than 60% are planning on getting there within two years, he says. "Most are focusing on the plant floor as the first critical step." Quicker releases of applications based on Microsoft technologies are the goal.
• For machine vision customers, it means continued free software, support, and training, as part of DVT's "Servant Leadership" program. Bob Steinke, DVT chairman and CEO, challenges employees and distributors to embrace faith-based servant leadership, in which DVT and partners put others' needs before their own. He says the company has had compound annual growth rate of 43% over the last 10 years.
• For Honeywell Process Solutions, it means forging agreements with five partners to transfer specific application and device knowledge to customers through Honeywell Experion PKS (Process Knowledge System) and Asset Effectiveness Solutions. To start, partners will be Dresser Flow Solutions Masoneilan, Endress+Hauser, Flowserve Flow Control Division-Valtek, Honeywell Industrial Measurement & Control (another division within Honeywell) and Krohne, says Honeywell's Dick Verville, PKS Advantage program manager
• For Invensys Wonderware, it means rethinking the software-only mantra since inception, to partner and offer integrated software and hardware bundles for human-machine interface flat touchscreens and for the new Microsoft Tablet PC format. Purpose is to ease integration issues and reduce cost, says Yves Dufort, GM and director of services for Wonderware Strategic Integration Group.
• For us, in 2003, it meant we redesigned the North American edition, reinvigorated Control Engineering Europe, launched Control Engineering China and Control Engineering Polska, sent more than 100 e-mailed newsletters, launched new editorial columns and departments responding to reader needs, and continued to augment www.controleng.com, Webcasts, and custom publishing.

Feeling flexible? Put "Bending over backwards" in the subject line and let me know how... and if I may publish your comments online and in print. Thanks for your part in making a great 2003. May your continuing efforts result in more blessings for all in 2004.

mhoske@reedbusiness.com