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It looks as if microchip maker RF Micro Devices is on a roll, and that's good for Greensboro.

On Monday, RF announced plans to buy a Colorado-based company in a $900 million deal that someday could mean more jobs here. The goal clearly is expansion and diversification.

Industry analysts say the merger is an indication that RF, the world's largest radio frequency chip producer, wants to move into other markets. Likely targets are broadband data transmission, defense and aerospace.

Successful companies stay ahead of the curve and look beyond core services. Such is the case with RF.

Jerry Neal, executive vice president of marketing and strategic development, says having Sirenza Microdevices on board is "going to enhance the company's ability to grow overall."

Companies that demonstrate that kind of forward thinking and strategic corporate planning are bound to get noticed. And RF apparently is being courted by other states also in the hunt for decent-paying, environmentally friendly jobs.

That inevitably leads to questions about what it will take to ensure that a prospering business stays put in Guilford County. To no one's surprise, the answer is incentives.

RF has sought and received them before from local and state governments. On Aug. 21, it will ask the City Council for $1.2 million more in economic development money for a $103 million microchip wafer factory that would employ 300 workers. Sources say the Guilford commissioners also will be asked for a still-unspecified amount.

Since the latest pitch has yet to be made, it's too early to draw conclusions. In the past, however, RF has made convincing requests and has been rewarded with carefully crafted performance-based incentives.

Last year, the company pledged to spend $80 million and create 300 new jobs on the promise of state and local money. So far, it has proved to be a good investment.

Based on the suggested numbers, RF's latest proposal compares favorably with high-dollar grants given newcomers like Dell and Google. Over time, increased property tax revenue from RF should recoup much of the incentives cost. In a life span of about 15 years, the company has earned a reputation as a solid corporate citizen and ranks among the county's top employers. Venturing into related but new markets ought to ensure optimum use of RF's additional production capacity even if its core business slows.

RF's successes also could signal other high-tech manufacturers that Greensboro, Guilford County and the state are good places to do business. That bodes well in an evolving economy.