about national instruments (ni)<br>since 1976, national instruments (www.ni.com) has equipped engineers and scientists with tools that accelerate productivity, innovation and discovery. ni’s graphical system design approach to engineering provides an integrated software and hardware platform that speeds the development of any system needing measurement and control. the company’s long-term vision and focus on improving society through its technology supports the success of its customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders.<br>headquartered in austin, texas, ni has approximately 7,100 employees worldwide, direct operations in more than 50 countries. fortune named ni one of the '100 best companies to work for'in america for the past 14 consecutive years; in july 2009, june 2008, and may 2007 electronic design magazine named ni a "top industry companies to work," and in fall 2008 and 2006 businessweek magazine named ni to its "best places to launch a career" lists.