"Autodesk to Acquire MechSoft Technology" is the headline of the press release.
We know that Autodesk intends to incorporate MechSoft's concept of "functional design" into Inventor, but we don't know what will happen to MechSoft's non-Autodesk customers.
Software from MechSoft is available for Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Unigraphics NX, Pro/Engineer, and Ashlar Vellum Solids. The press release make no mention of these products' future. I asked Autodesk about this potential problem. "The acquisition of certain assets of MechSoft.com, Inc. has not yet closed. We are evaluating different options for working with the existing customer base as we move forward in enhancing Autodesk's existing product line," was the formal response.
Traditionally, Autodesk has abandoned support for competitors when making an acquisition of this nature. The Q&A at Autodesk's Web site mentions the competitor products, but not their future.
Thanks for the heads up on MechSoft. We pay a pretty premium for maintenance of our Engineering Handbook add-in for Solid Edge, & I'd hate to see it's functionality stalled. What happen's in that case, as I don't think we are allowed to continue maintenance on only part of our investment?
Posted by: Greg Morehouse | Mar 22, 2004 at 02:02 PM