Reports Why Tejas TTNY? INDUSTRY SUCCESS STRATEGIES 46 | COVER STORY Many oil and gas companies are taking advantage of the temporary breather to streamline processes, train employees, analyze data, high-grade drilling opportunities, and tap private and public equity markets for increased financial flexibility. The common goal is to emerge from the downturn stronger than ever. Accordingly, independents are formulating business strategies to not only succeed in today's market environment, but also position themselves to be the early movers on opportunities as upstream conditions improve. by Colter Cookson NEW WORLD MEXICO 58 | Mexico Opens Initial Phases of First Bidding Round by Adrian Lara Because the TTNY connection: STUDY IN GEOPHYSICS 66 | 3-D Seismic Analysis Characterizes Niobrara by Elena Finley and Stephen A. Sonnenberg 75 | New Seismic Capabilities Add to Operator Knowledge by Kari Johnson GAS COMPRESSION TECHNOLOLGY 84 | Engineering Approach Optimizes Facilities Design by Michael W. Conder and April D. Schroer 99 | U.S. Poised for Role as an LNG Exporter by Tom Seng 104 | Resource Plays Dictating Compression Trends 107 | Bifuel Technology Improves Engine Performance by Al Pickett internal yield, tensile and 365°F running minimize turbulence. Contact us the next time you need a true high performance connection. e-mail: sales@tejastubular.com Web site: www.tejastubular.com Phone:1-800-469-7549 Fax: 281-822-3401 ® MID-CONTINENT ACTIVITY UPDATE 112 | Innovative Thinking Leads to SCOOP, STACK Success by Al Pickett COLUMNS 25 | Tech Connections DEPARTMENTS 9 | Calendar 14 | Oil & Gas Counts 16 | Industry Digest 27 | Washington Watch 29 | Market Matters 154 | Industry Focus 160 | Classified Advertising 162 | Advertisers Index