TROY, NY (July 22, 2002) – If technical buyers and engineers aren’t using the Web or a search engine to find technical products and services for their projects, they could be at a competitive disadvantage. This is based on a recent survey conducted by GlobalSpec, Inc., the worldwide leader of online media solutions and information resources serving the manufacturing and engineering communities. GlobalSpec included its “Internet Trends Survey” in their Online Engineering Newsletter in late May 2002. The majority of the respondents categorized their position as engineering, R&D, purchasing, marketing/sales, general corporate, quality assurance, or manufacturing professionals. Approximately 800 recipients responded to the survey.

Some 92% of the survey respondents stated they use the Internet to obtain product specifications, while 93% said they use the Internet to find components and suppliers, and 86% use it to shorten design time. Another 64% reported they use the Internet to search for technical application ideas, while 47% use the Internet to download CAD drawings.

“This survey confirms that engineers and technical buyers are taking advantage of the power of the Internet to be more productive and efficient in their jobs,” commented Guy Maser, GlobalSpec’s Vice President of Marketing. Adding, “Using GlobalSpec as a marketing tool gives manufacturers a significant advantage in increasing the exposure of both their brand and product offerings in reaching this audience.”

Other Specific Findings:

-- To complement these survey findings, when specifically asked their major reason for using the Internet other than e-mail, 60% indicated their major reason for using the Internet is to find components and suppliers or to obtain product specifications.

-- The GlobalSpec study indicates clearly that engineers, technical buyers, and others are keenly aware that the Internet helps them in the design process. Though only 16% claimed they use the Internet for collaborative work, 86% stated the Internet has shortened their design time.

-- An additional finding from the survey shows that 30% of the respondents plan to attend fewer trade shows for the remainder of 2002.

About GlobalSpec, Inc.

GlobalSpec, Inc. is the world’s largest online library of technical catalogs searchable by specification, connecting engineers and technical buyers with the products and services they need. SpecSearch®, GlobalSpec’s parametric search technology, provides users bias-free access to more than 900 searchable product areas. Information about GlobalSpec can be found at http://www.globalspec.com.

GlobalSpec, GlobalSpec.com, and SpecSearch are registered trademarks of GlobalSpec, Inc.

Contact:
GlobalSpec Marketing
E-mail: marketing@globalspec.com

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