CIMdata discusses how PLM is Delivering True Benefits across a Broader Spectrum in its 2004 PLM Vendor Forum

ANN ARBOR , Michigan , January 14, 2004 — Consulting and research firm CIMdata announces the schedule for its 2004 PLM Vendor Forum. These international one-day events will be held in Detroit , Michigan on March 25 th , in Stuttgart , Germany on May 6 th , and in Tokyo , Japan on May 11 th , 2004 . The Forums are designed to provide critical market and business information to technology and service suppliers of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions. The Vendor Forums bring together the PLM technology and service suppliers to discuss the overall PLM market, look back at its performance in the past year, and set the vision for its future.

Ken Amann , CIMdata Director of Research explained, “The focus of the 2004 PLM Vendor Forum will be on how PLM is delivering true benefits across a broader spectrum. We will provide a review of major initiatives, such as Digital Manufacturing, Service after Sales, and Portfolio Requirements, that are expanding PLM's footprint across the extended enterprise. We will discuss each initiative, its focus, maturity level, and direction. We will also identify those solution suppliers driving each initiative and give a high level review of their programs.”

Mr. Amann added that the participants will be provided critical information that will enable them to meet industry challenges and expand their opportunities. This includes a discussion of the state of the overall PLM market and leading trends, as well as an analysis of the 2003 PLM market growth, geographic and industry distributions and leading suppliers in each market category.

Jay Vleeschhouwer of Merrill Lynch, and Stacey Pollard of Lehman Brothers will speak at the US and European Vendor Forums respectively. They will provide a financial investment perspective on PLM, and discuss their growing interest in this industry.