Bundled PLM appliance set to spread collaborative engineering benefits

It comprises UGS software and services along with HP hardware, and has been designed to plug into new or existing Teamcenter environments to spread take-up in the extended enterprise. “By working closely with our partner HP, we have developed a plug and play solution that dramatically reduces the cost, time and effort typically associated with deploying a new IT system,” says Steve Bashada, vice president, UGS. “Teamcenter Engineering customers can quickly experience the enhanced communication and product innovation that is enabled through effective collaboration among product development teams across the street or around the world.” Teamcenter Community Appliance is built on Microsoft Windows Server System and runs on HP ProLiant servers along with HP software, storage and networking switches, and is bundled with planning, implementation and support services from UGS. “Teamcenter’s ability to enable real-time collaboration has transformed the way we do business and dramatically reduced our travel costs, engineering changes and our entire product development cycle time,” says Alan Walker, Siemens Industrial Power Generation director, and a Teamcenter user. “Product information that used to be locked up in engineering is now available to sales, service, marketing, manufacturing and even our suppliers and partners through an easy-to-use user interface. Our ability to effectively collaborate globally with Teamcenter has streamlined several processes from RFP responses and procurement to design reviews and supplier sign-off,” he adds.