PCBs Are a Strategic Asset for Cost Reduction and Faster Time-to-Market, New Study Finds

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - March 17, 2010) -  New research from Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS) titled "Why Printed Circuit Board Design Matters to the Executive" uncovers successful ways to execute printed circuit board (PCB) design strategies in ways that affect the top and bottom line.

In today's competitive market place, companies are looking for new ways to differentiate their products. As a result, electronics have become a critical component of product development. The study reveals that a focus on the design of the PCB, an often overlooked part of the development process, offers a strategic advantage.

"On average, companies report that the PCB represents 31% of the overall cost of the product," reports Michelle Boucher, research analyst in Aberdeen's Product Innovation and Engineering practice. "The most successful companies who are most profitable have invested in PCB design processes that enable them to decrease product cost by 11%, while their competitors have actually seen increases of 5% - 12% in product cost. Clearly, improving the PCB design process has a significant effect on the bottom line."

A complimentary copy of this report is made available due in part by the following underwriters: Mentor Graphics Corporation and Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410182&cid=6330&camp2

Visit Research.Aberdeen.com for additional access to complimentary Product Innovation and Engineering Research.

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Aberdeen provides fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having queried more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to Aberdeen for insights that drive decisions.

As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of Harte-Hanks (Information - Opportunity - Insight - Engagement - Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit Aberdeen or call (617) 854-5200, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call (800) 456-9748.

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