From its inception in 1951, the IEEE Transactions on Computers ( TC) has been at the forefront of computer technology and its astounding advances that have radically changed our lives in such a short time. This has happened thanks to the dedicated efforts of the authors, the reviewers, the readership, and the Editorial Board, working together on a common goal of the highest standards of professionality and achievement.

The results have been truly remarkable. By comparing the issues in the first year with the year just ended, very little resemblance can be found in topical coverage and content; however, a continuum can be observed over the last half a century of publication: As in 1951, TC represents a highly rigorous peer-reviewed journal that has established a unique influence on a dynamic and diverse field of evolving interests. An archival publication such as TC is representative of a long and distinguished tradition that transcends any individual contribution. It clearly shows its enduring search for knowledge is rooted in a professional and academic culture that foster significant advances in engineering practice.

Let us report on a few important items related to TC and its different constituencies. Over the last few years, TC has continued to reach new heights to ensure its continued tradition of excellence on all measures for a publication of the highest quality. We are proud to report that, currently, a manuscript submitted to TC will undergo an average review cycle (from submission to first notification) of just four months; an additional three months are, on average, needed for its final acceptance. The short review time of submitted manuscripts has not affected the quality of the articles published in TC: On average, only one of four submitted manuscripts is accepted for publication after undergoing a very strict review by leading world experts. Moreover, the quality of the published papers has also been reflected in a dramatic increase of the impact factor as measured by the number of references to TC in the publications of the technical community at-large. The adoption by the IEEE Computer Society of Manuscript Central as a Web-based repository of the paper and review databases, the enlarged pool of Associate Editors and reviewers, and the renewed interests by large segments of authors (as stimulated by new topics in special issues and the short review cycle) are some of the milestones that have contributed to this resounding success.

As always, both of us are eager to further build TC to best serve the community and are eager to provide you with the best service and excited about the challenges encountered in such an endeavor. Do not hesitate to contact us for any enquire related to TC; your comments and suggestions are always welcome. We look forward to yet another successful year and, as in the past, we wholeheartedly solicit your contributions.

Sincerely,

Viktor K. Prasanna

Editor-in-Chief

Fabrizio Lombardi

Associate Editor-in-Chief