Data I/O President and CEO Bill Wentworth recently joined Bob “Sully” Sullivan and Mike Costa on The Big Biz Show for an energetic discussion about the role of data programming in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
The conversation covered the foundations of programmable semiconductors, the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, and how Data I/O is expanding its strategy to serve a much larger market.
Watch the full interview below:
Why Data Programming Still Matters
While the term “data programming” may not be heard as often as it was decades ago, its importance has only grown.
Wentworth explained programmable devices such as flash memory and microcontrollers as a blank piece of paper. Engineers design the functionality that makes a product unique. Data I/O’s hardware and software platforms securely transfer that intellectual property into the semiconductor device at scale.
“Our equipment takes those data files and puts them into the semiconductors,” Wentworth shared. “That’s what allows those technologies to come to life in mass production.”
Without that programming step, electronic products simply do not function.
Keeping Pace with Rapid Product Cycles
The hosts highlighted how quickly technology is advancing, particularly with the rise of AI. Wentworth noted that semiconductor innovation has always moved fast, but the pace is increasing even further.
“In the automotive industry, product life cycles are now six months.”
Shorter life cycles mean manufacturers must introduce new devices faster while maintaining security, reliability, and quality. Data I/O’s platform is designed to support rapid device introduction across engineering, production, and test environments.
A Platform Designed for Longevity and Flexibility
Wentworth discussed Data I/O’s next-generation programming platform, scheduled for release by the end of the year. The core architecture is designed to support customers for 10 to 15 years, while allowing enhancements and feature expansion over time.
The company continues adapting around the platform to support:
-
New socket and contact technologies
-
Expanded engineering and debugging capabilities
-
Data provisioning at final test
-
Secure device programming requirements
This combination of long-term platform stability and ongoing innovation is central to Data I/O’s strategy.
Expanding Beyond Capital Equipment
Historically, Data I/O operated primarily as a capital equipment provider. Under Wentworth’s leadership, that strategy is evolving.
“We’ll be a service provider as well, and we’ll also take our engine and be able to put it at test.”
By expanding into programming services and programming at test, Data I/O is growing its addressable market from approximately $100–150 million to well over $1 billion. This expansion builds on the company’s deep domain expertise while creating additional pathways for growth.
AI as an Operational Accelerator
AI is not only reshaping customer industries, it is also accelerating operations within Data I/O.
Wentworth described how the company is using AI internally for:
-
Software development and bug fixes
-
Market research and competitive analysis
-
Strategic planning and modeling
AI-driven technologies such as autonomous vehicles and robotics also increase demand for sensing, processing, and secure data provisioning at scale. As edge devices multiply, the need for reliable programming and security provisioning grows alongside them.
Looking Ahead
The Big Biz Show conversation reinforced a key message: data programming remains foundational to modern electronics, and its importance is increasing as AI accelerates innovation across industries.
With a next-generation platform, expanded service capabilities, and a broader market strategy, Data I/O is positioning itself to play a larger role in the next phase of semiconductor and intelligent device growth.