View this article at: http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/06/12/national.gives.5g.ipods/ Monday, Jun 12, 2006 5:25pm National gives 8,500 employees iPod National Semiconductor today capped off its most successful fiscal year in history by giving every one of its 8,500 employees a 30GB video iPod. The devices will be used as a new training and communications tool at National, according to the company, providing a convenient real-time method for employees to download company podcasts and other employee communications. "We're looking for new and more effective ways to communicate with our employees -- and the iPods will help us do both," said Brian L. Halla, National's chairman and CEO. The firm announced record operating profits and gross margin last Thursday for its Q4 and fiscal year 2006 financial results. The Company's 1,600 Santa Clara employees celebrated the milestones at National's annual employee picnic Friday afternoon, where Halla announced the Company's iPod communications program at the picnic.