AuthenTec, Inc. stock was upgraded from “Outperform” to “Strong Buy” by Raymond James Financial on Thursday (June 12th). The announcement fueled a rapid appreciation of 12.3 percent for the day.

AuthenTec itself has been growing by leaps and bounds, seeing a 67 percent revenue increase in the first quarter of 2008. In a recent conference call held to discuss the quarter ended March 31st, the company expressed the belief that 2008 revenues will only continue to grow. It is estimated that earnings for the second quarter will total more than $17.2 million, as a result of large-volume shipments of the company’s “AES 2810″ PC fingerprint-authentication product. It has also been reported that Intel’s Montevina laptops will come equipped with the AES 2810 sensors, to begin shipping in the second half of 2008.

In addition, AuthenTec has announced its intent to step up research and development efforts in a play for an

Vision-Sciences, Inc is engaged in the development and manufacturing of advanced, video-based endoscopy equipment. The company’s digital endoscope lines are set apart from the competition in that they come with a built-in light source, unlike traditional scopes which must be fitted with a separate camera head and light cable. Perhaps the most significant product offered by Vision-Sciences is its patented Slide-On EndoSheath, a disposable endoscope cover which eliminates the patient’s chance of infection.

The company has had several breakthroughs in the way of product approvals by various organizations in recent weeks. Health Canada gave Vision-Sciences’ scopes the go-ahead, clearing the way for distribution throughout Canada and Europe. Underwriter’s Laboratories also provided its stamp of approval, enabling Vision-Science to affix the “CE” mark to its product. CEO Ron Hadani says his company’s products have created “overwhelming interest” in the medical community, which can be appeased, now that the proper certifications have