I'll never forget my conversation with defense-industry leader Bob Beyster.

Armed with a doctorate degree and decades of experience, Beyster ranked as one of the U.S. defense industry's true visionary thinkers. That came through loud and clear when I interviewed him for Signal magazine back in early 1999.

Beyster could talk with ease about everything from the impact of the dot-com boom of the 1990s to the future of information technology at the Pentagon.

This University of Michigan-educated scientist was a walking, talking encyclopedia of global tech trends. He gave me loads of insight into the major shifts that would reshape our world far beyond defense - from changes in telecommunications to how the Web would slash business costs for thousands of global firms.

With fond memories of that chat, I have been a faithful follower of the groundbreaking company Beyster founded some 35 years ago.

I'm referring to Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC), now headquartered in McLean, VA.

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