Systems/Enterprise:

CoCreate USES SYSTINET TO OPEN CAD TO THE ENTERPRISE

CoCreate Software Inc, a provider of collaboration and 3-D CAD software, announced that it has incorporated Systinet Server for Java into CoCreate's CAD data management product, Model Manager. As a result, organizations can easily access and share CAD design data across the entire enterprise using standards-based Web services and can incorporate Model Manager into a service-oriented architecture.

CAD data management products serve as the system of record for engineering teams' CAD design data. Such systems have traditionally been closed, accessible only through proprietary APIs. This has made the systems expensive both to implement and to maintain. It has also contributed to the escalating problem of software systems becoming information silos.

Enabling the enterprise to become better connected is a key goal in IT strategy today. For some enterprises, this means focusing specifically on developing a better product lifecycle management (PLM) strategy. For others, it means simply giving all departments open, up-to-date access to the information they need for making sound business decisions. In both cases, system integration is key.

CoCreate has been a leader in leveraging Web services as a route to providing open systems, effective integration, and information sharing across the enterprise. The incorporation of Systinet Web services enablement into Model Manager helps create a service-oriented architecture (SOA). In turn, an SOA makes it possible for applications to communicate as business services on a network. The result is a network of loosely coupled applications and systems that are widely shared and available for use on demand.

"All too often, CAD lock-in with proprietary databases isolates design and engineering," said Ken Versprille, PLM research director of CPD Associates. "A full PLM framework must influence and exploit the value of design information across all domains found in a product development enterprise. Open access to CAD design data and constraints is a must in order to communicate effectively with enterprise-wide process control applications including requirements management, workflow, change management, ERP and supply chain management."

The Systinet Server for Java exposes Model Manager's Web services to other enterprise systems such as ERP or PLM to make the data in Model Manager openly available for use in downstream processes. Enterprises can now harness Model Manager's power as the system of record for CAD design data while also giving other departments open access to the most current design data.

"The fact that nearly half of all North American firms store content in more than five repositories underscores the need for a better-connected enterprise. CoCreate's commitment to Web services and an open CAD environment made our incorporation of Systinet technology a natural fit," said William M. Gascoigne, CoCreate CEO. "We're pleased to bring our Model Manager customers a new level of openness, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for their design systems."