EDS and PTC partner for better interoperability

A new technology exchange agreement between PLM (product lifecycle management) giant EDS and product design software vendor PTC, should give users of both suppliers’ product design and development software solutions much improved interoperability (ie. exchange of CAD and product definition data) and reduced data integrity issues. Under the terms of the deal, both vendors will share toolkit technology and exchange end-user products. The deal is really aimed at users who currently have a mix of EDS (UGS and SDRC) technology and PTC software. “This strategy, combined with the reciprocal licensing arrangement with PTC, will truly benefit our mutual customers by enabling enhanced connectivity,” said EDS’ president PLM Chuck Grindstaff. “Our goal is to create the highest possible level of product definition exchange.” PTC’s executive vp Jim Heppelmann, commented: “Manufacturers need ways to exchange product data with their entire supply chain. And as vendors, we need to promote the growth of the PLM industry in order to help them do that. Only a complete product development process and interoperability will allow manufacturers to create the product, collaborate with all participants throughout the value chain and effectively control the process.” And research indicates the deal may be a sensible move for both parties. In the US automotive supply chain alone, the lack of interoperability of product development software solutions carries an estimated price tag of $1billion according to the USA’s National Institute of Standards & Technology (Interoperability Cost Analysis of the US automotive supply chain, 1999).