UGS Helps Autodesk Customers Evolve to 3D with Solid Edge Version 17

FOR RELEASE Monday, April 25, 2005

PLANO, Texas – UGS, a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced details of how new functionality built into Version 17 of Solid Edge® software, UGS’ industry-leading, value-based 3D computer-aided design (CAD) system for the mainstream PLM market would specifically benefit Autodesk® customers looking to move to 3D with Solid Edge. UGS expects the new release to begin shipping in April.

“Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for all 2D users, and specifically AutoCAD users, to make the move to 3D with Solid Edge,” said Bruce Boes vice president of business strategy and marketing for Solid Edge.  “Solid Edge’s technical leadership, exemplified by its industry leading hybrid 2D/3D design philosophy, when coupled with extensive tools to ease the adoption process, provide a best in class solution for AutoCAD users to Evolve to 3D today.” 

Specifically Solid Edge Version 17, announced on March 8, 2005, now includes:

• Improved translation of 2D imported data to now included details such as tiling, layers, line types, colors and weights for comprehensive translation of 2D sketches and drawings.
• A new Autodesk Inventor® direct translator, to complement the existing translator for Mechanical Desktop® software, allows users who have tried 3D with Autodesk to upgrade to Solid Edge without losing design data or maintaining existing seats.
• A new Direct Editing capability allows users to change Autodesk Inventor, Mechanical Desktop, or any other imported 3D file directly in Solid Edge without the need to import features or constraints.
• A new “Apprentice Mode” helps familiarize new users with Solid Edge by explaining commands and key concepts in detail, while helping them to navigate the system with ease.
• A new command finder to cross reference commands from Autodesk Inventor, Mechanical Desktop or other systems with Solid Edge commands helping trained CAD users to transition to Solid Edge quickly
• ModelSpace/PaperSpace emulation provides a familiar environment for existing AutoCAD users allowing them to make easy transition to their new Solid Edge environment.
• AndSolid Edge continues to enhance its superior "drafting only" capabilities(without startingfrom a 3D model) to allow users to transition at their own speed and get their job done today while they learn 3D.

The Solution

Solid Edge from UGS is powerful 3D CAD software that allows manufacturing companies to Design with Insight and achieve competitive advantage through cost reduction, without losing focus on top line revenues. The exclusive Solid Edge Insight technology embeds design management capabilities directly within CAD, providing insight into design intent to the entire organization and enhancing collaboration. Insight, complemented by Solid Edge’s superior core modeling and process workflows, greatly eases the design of increasingly complex products required to meet continually changing market demands. The extensive Solid Edge user community is comprised of designers at thousands of companies worldwide, including Alcoa, NEC Engineering, and Volvo. The Solid Edge Voyager Program includes 200 integrated engineering software applications and computer hardware solutions.