Abstract :
The IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (IEEE MTT-S) is taking the final steps to institute an electronic procedure to accomplish the peer review of manuscripts submitted to this TRANSACTIONS. The IEEE MTT-S has been working with IEEE Publications to develop a state-of-the-art Internet-based (World Wide Web) reviewing process. The electronic system we will use, i.e., ??Manuscript Central,?? meets the highest commercial standards for such a product and is backed by a highly qualified commercial organization. The fundamental goal of this new review procedure is to insure all manuscripts receive a fair and timely review, and to minimize the burden upon those individuals asked to perform the review. I must emphasize that the Editor-in-Chief or his designated Associate will make all technical, reviewer assignments, and disposition decisions just as is done today. IEEE Publications will perform the day-to-day management of the manuscripts and insure that the review/decision process is carried out in an efficient and timely manner. Those selected to review a given manuscript will be notified via electronic mail that the Editor-in-Chief has requested a review. In this e-mail message, the selected reviewer will be provided with directions to view/download the manuscript. Only those selected to review a paper will have access to that paper.