Altair rightfully claims to be a leader in multiphysics simulation with offerings demonstrating leading-edge applications, such as the optimization of mechanisms like aircraft control surfaces in a multiphysics calculation that includes aerodynamic loads and structural deflections (flexible bodies). CIMdata believes that the use of optimization coupled with increasingly comprehensive multiphysics and multi-domain simulation will revolutionize product development. Companies that exploit these technologies will gain a sustainable competitive advantage, developing better products in less time.

Effective product realization is crucial to satisfying customer needs and wants. Recent advances in technology are having a significant impact on business. The adoption of new technologies and strategies like social product development and analytics are helping companies improve customer satisfaction while meeting business challenges. TCS’ focus on and experience with the five digital forces, SMAC plus AI/Robotics, has helped them to deliver the improvements companies seek. CIMdata sees social product development and analytics as key competencies that companies must implement to be competitive and take their product realization processes into the future.

The automotive industry continues to be a driver of PLM development and use—pushing the envelope on the use of PLM enabling technologies and processes throughout extended enterprises. PLM is now embedded in how automotive manufacturers of all levels work and it is a critical factor in their ability to achieve and maintain business competitiveness and success in the global economy. Siemens has a long, rich history of working with and providing PLM solutions to the automotive industry. They are investing in solutions to bring together all the elements needed to define and create a complete digital factory—from ideation through manufacturing and support. 

The global Autodesk University (AU) series held its biggest event of the year December 2-4 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 10,000 were expected in Las Vegas, with another 12,000 attending regional AUs held at different times earlier in the year (and with still more attending online). From the sessions attended, and the time spent with Autodesk’s leadership, it is clear they are laser focused on a future where they will continue to democratize the tools and means of production for the benefit of their customers, and the broader society, through their investments in start-ups and global education. Autodesk recognizes they must, in part, sow the seeds of their own “destruction” to ensure long-term growth in support of their democratization mission. Their investments are showing initial promise, but the journey is long and just beginning. CIMdata is glad to be along for the ride with Autodesk and the rest of the PLM Economy.

Dassault Systèmes’ 2014 North American 3DEXPERIENCE FORUM provided a solid update on the organization’s progress with regards to its “experience” messaging and delivery. Dassault Systèmes is well on its way to delivering a single, unified business platform enabling product, nature, and life. Dassault Systèmes’ clients represent the depth and breadth of Dassault Systèmes’ solution offerings. The Forum provided an excellent opportunity to hear the latest and greatest from Dassault Systèmes and its clients, and to appreciate the progress the company has made on building out its 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. 

With their hybrid cloud-desktop implementation, with intelligent synchronization and a user-centric, flexible approach to collaboration and work process management, combined with low cost of ownership, Kenesto seems to have addressed key SMB technology and business needs. In addition, their enhancements to support design-tool file types places Kenesto firmly in the product data management market. Kenesto offers an attractive option for mainstream SMBs looking to improve file and task management and collaboration within their project teams and with supply chain partners.

CIMdata recently attended the PTC Live Stuttgart 2014 and LiveWorx events in Stuttgart, Germany. These parallel events were held at the Messe Stuttgart venue, and registrants to either event could attend sessions in both events at will. The PTC Live event gave PTC customers the opportunity to not only hear and explore PTC’s solution strategies and roadmaps, but also to showcase their own work, network with peers, share ideas, and discuss how they are addressing their challenges. At the LiveWorx event, PTC elaborated on the progress they have made on their Internet of Things (IoT) vision, strategy, and roadmap, and highlighted this with compelling client presentations.

Paying for software has always been challenging for most businesses; more payment options can lead to less risk and faster return on investment (ROI). Autodesk’s Desktop Subscription model enables companies to quickly ramp up and scale down the desired software access as needed. Autodesk is providing more subscription options and flexibility, enabling customers to select the method that best fits their businesses. CIMdata believes that flexible licensing models can be a significant differentiator enabling product design solution providers to deliver superior value for their customers and prospects.

Existing Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA SmarTeam users have multiple options either to remain with their V5 environments, co-exist with the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, or migrate to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. Existing ENOVIA V5 products including ENOVIA SmarTeam will be enhanced and supported for years to come. CIMdata recognizes the efforts of Dassault Systèmes to support their SmarTeam customer base. We believe the decision to provide continued support for the ENOVIA SmarTeam product is a smart one. Protecting a user’s investment makes for a good partner and rewards both provider and user alike. Dassault Systèmes’ investment in ENOVIA SmarTeam product sustainability is an example that other solution providers should heed.

IBM, one of America’s oldest and most storied companies, is known for transforming itself to survive and thrive—today is no different, and the IBM Software Group is leading the charge to address three strategic imperatives reshaping the world: data, cloud, and people-centered engagement.