CADfidential

Behind the scenes in the world of CAD

Femap Feud

UGS abruptly dumped OEM partner MSC Software last month. MSC Software can no longer bundle UGS' Femap with the Windows version of MSC.Nastran, and UGS is wooing MSC customers with a free upgrade to Femap with NX Nastran. MSC.Software says MSC.Nastran for Windows users represent a very small share of its customer base.

Which file format do you use for drawing/model exchange?

Area 51

Dell entered a definitive agreement to acquire PC maker Alienware, known for its radical case designs and high-performance gaming systems. Alienware will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and will maintain its own product development, product marketing, sales, technical support and other operations as well as brand. At long last, Dell will be selling AMD processors.

Banner Year

Attributing its success to strong growth in new seats and subscriptions, as well as increasing interest in its 3D and vertical products, Auto-desk reported fiscal year 2006 revenue of $1.523 billion, a 23% increase over the previous year. GAAP net income for 2006 was $329 million, up 48% from $222 million in 2005.

Word Up

Bentley Systems acquired Logos, provider of PlantSpace Isometrics software (formerly known as L/ISO and IsoExtractor). Bentley will embed Logos' isometric generation and production tools within its DigitalPlant solution.

Better Building

Graphisoft has joined with Oracle to deliver solutions to the construction sector by addressing inefficiency, waste and project mismanagement. The first initiative includes a series of seminars in the United Kingdom.

PDF Profits

In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, Adobe's revenue was $655.5 million, compared with $472.9 million reported for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 and $510.4 million reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. It credits strong demand for its creative solutions and Acrobat.

Plant Market Blossoms

Plant design software and services companies may see robust growth of 11%, to $800 million in 2006, according to a recent forecast by research firm Daratech. Partly as a result of robust demand for oil and other forms of energy, process and power owner/operators and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) firms are projected to step up their investments in IT solutions that enable the quickest time to product and that control the total lifecycle cost of the asset.

Not an Option

UGS launched its new Global Channel Partner Program to support its midmarket PLM (product lifecycle management) strategy. "Our channel partners are key to our commitment to 'never let a customer fail,'" says Dave Shirk, UGS executive vice-president of global marketing.

Hurricane Helper

The American Red Cross presented Intergraph with the Circle of Humanitarian Award, that organization's highest award honoring financial assistance, for its support of disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Intergraph worked with the Red Cross to provide technology and volunteers as well as financial assistance. Intergraph, based in Madison, Alabama, also volunteered facilities to serve as a central warehouse and distribution point for food and medicine.

Sweet Site

The new McGraw-Hill Construction Network (www.products.construction.com), provides product catalogs and information for more than 10,000 manufacturers. Users can search, view and download CAD details and specifications.

Spending for Software

In its annual survey of the worldwide engineering market, research firm Cambashi found that investment in new engineering software in 2006 will increase by about 7% from 2005. Total investment in both MCAD/PLM and AEC software is estimated to total $6.8 billion for 2005, according to Cambashi.

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