MSC Software becomes official IBM partner

MSC Software, the simulation software vendor, has completed formal accreditation as an IBM business partner for the UK, complementing the existing IBM PLM (product lifecycle management) channel for Dassault Systemes’ products within this territory. This is a good move by IBM: MSC will develop its new generation of simulation software under the Catia version 5 architecture, further strengthening IBM’s grip in an area where rivals UGS (and parent EDS) are fighting for market share. Speaking in London this week, IBM’s PLM manager Europe, Kim Stuckey, said: “Typically, 85% of value is driven by product content information through a product’s lifecycle … In June this year, we added Smarteam’s PDM [product data management] software to our portfolio to give us a route into the mid-market.” And when asked whether IBM fears the recent UGS/EDS merger, Stuckey replied: “There’s a clear differentiator between us and them. We’ve been doing this service provider, consultancy stuff for years now. EDS and UGS are just starting down that road.”