Lessons from the past and challenges for the new millennium [vertex detectors]

Results on vertex detectors at various stages of operation and in different radiation environments were presented at VERTEX'99. We continue gaining experience from the long-term operation of vertex detectors and precision trackers at LEP, CDF, SLD, H1 and NOMAD. Preliminary results from the new vertex detectors coming on line at the B factories were presented. Intense R&D is taking place for the large scale and high radiation environment of the future experiments at the LHC. New detectors at the Tevatron, HERA-b and for heavy ion experiments should provide the first test of severe radiation conditions and high multiplicity events before the LHC will turn on. (32 refs).