Great engineering consulting opportunities are opening up in field robotics. This talk will discuss the technology being developed in this arena. Server Design Summit will cover the latest trends in designing for next-generation virtualized servers in the cloud computing era. From simple blades to powerful high-end systems, servers are the key to managing networked computing. An IEEE-CNSV booth on the Exhibit Floor will allow our members to publicize their skills as well as the merits of our organization. This talk will address two areas: (1) how the new America Invents Act (AIA) both helps and hinders independent engineering consultants, and (2) Intellectual Property (IP) protection for engineers. In this talk, Allen Peterson will walk us through how to best take advantage of Twitter, LinkedIn and other collateral for marketing one's small engineering consulting businesses. This talk will focus on the pursuit of wearable, assistive, mobility devices at Tibion Corp. Consulting income was a key to Tibion's survival from initial ideas in 2001 to first venture funding in 2006 and on to product introduction in 2010. As the electronics market and technology matures, the role of intellectual property (IP) is evolving. Using a successful LCD technology and IP licensing program that he established as an example, Chuck McLaughlin will share his views regarding viable IP strategies for the coming decade. IEEE-CNSV will have a booth on the Exhibit Floor at this event, allowing CNSV members with a great vehicle for publicizing their skills as well as the merits of our organization. CNSV members also receive special pricing for this conference, and two CNSV members will be awarded full conference admission as well. Many aspects of this event that are free, so register now on the conference website. In this dinner meeting talk, Dr. Karla Callahan will describe five important checkpoints for work in MEMS and electronics. Karla uses these checkpoints at her medical device start-up company as well as in her international consulting business. Nearly everyone thinks they have some idea what a patent is and what it's good for, but do you really know how to use patents effectively for your business? This talk will explore the patent world from the inventor's point of view: who, what, why, how, and when. Jonathan J. Sweet, a Los Gatos attorney, reviews contract language and clauses for your consulting agreements and those you are asked to sign. He will discuss applicable California law and factual circumstances of which you should be aware to help ensure that you get paid when you work as a consultant.