FAQ

The answer is, approximately $2.1 Billion. However, that number means nothing in terms of your product. Unlike any other analytical technology, the world of microscopy and imaging is just too fragmented for this question to have any logical meaning.

From the technology standpoint, this market is complex. It encompasses light, electron, and confocal microscopies, scanning white light interferometry, and a whole array of related analytical and scanning probe technologies. To compound this issue: electronic imaging underlies all current microscopies. Finally, there is a strong trend for convergence between imaging and traditional spectroscopies, particularly FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared) and Raman.

From the application standpoint, this industry is equally complex, encompassing semiconductors as well as biological and materials sciences; the clinical world as well as forensics; academe as well as industry.

A better question is "Where is my product most likely to be successful in the world of microscopy and related imaging?" MME can find the answers that lead to:

• realistic, fundable business plans
• more cost-effective technology development and manufacturing
• quicker market penetration
• more rapid revenue, better use of existing resources.

This answer may surprise you.  The best time to do market research is before your idea hits the drawing board. Knowing your audience and the solutions they are looking for

• reduces engineering time and investment,
• speeds market penetration, and
• drives the sales effort.

The bottom line: fewer dollars in, faster dollars out.

Before we can answer that question, we have two others for you:

a.    In real terms, what are your costs for each of the following?

• Delayed time to market,
• An over-engineered product,
• Missing a critical buying cycle,
• A badly placed ad,

b.    Expenses related to full time staff in sales and marketing,

c.     Deferred growth because of lack of experience or staff.

d.     In real terms, what is the value to your business of each of the following?

e.    Shortened learning curve,

f.     Allowing your whole company to move more aggressively toward capturing market share in microscopy and imaging,

g.    Ease of use of turnkey systems,

h.    Reducing the need for extra staff and budget,

i.     Well-planned and controlled budget and scheduling processes for hassle-free management,

j.    High visibility,

k.    Rapid credibility,

j.     {mosimage}Rapid revenue growth

A recent survey (Jan, 2007) revealed salaries for top level marketing management average $200K/year, with staff of MME's expertise commanding nearly $300K/year. MME has targeted companies with emerging technologies as our audience. We understand that these companies rarely have this type of money budgeted for all marketing activities, let alone the salary of one individual. However, with a universe of services available, MME can define exactly what you need and provide you with a quote to fit your budget.  We specialize in working with your existing staff, stretching your dollar even further.

As a technology, microscopy requires a unique hand-eye-brain coordination derived from an intimate physical relationship between the microscope and the microscopist. As a result, working in this market is more akin to manufacturing, marketing, and selling cars or clothes. MME offers a unique mix of technology and strategic business development expertise to shorten your learning curve and position your product successfully in this unusual arena.

Amazingly, there is one key fundamental: "Show me".

For over a decade, MME has conducted research to define markets and technologies, set pricing, and identify applications, Unlike any other market research or strategic consulting group, MME is active in the industry--every day.  As practicing microscopists ourselves, we bring you a unique perspective on the end users' issues.  Our work routinely takes us into the worlds of nanotechnology and the semiconductor as well as the biological and materials sciences.  We know the right place to do the right research to reach your prospective audience.