Enovia CTO asks, "When (not how) do we get content onto the iPad?"

As the chief technical officer for Enovia at Dassault Systems, Oleg Shilovistsky asks on his blog, "Who Can Generate 3D/PLM Content For Apple iPad?". I can only presume that "Dassault" is the answer he is thinking of!

Nevertheless, here is what he thinks of this new category of device:

- The 64GB RAM not justifiable "when all my work is on cloud/server/laptop."

- The missing camera limits the iPad for 3DVIA Mobile "and all other applications that want to merge physical and virtual life."

- Price too expensive for "the shop-floor and manufacturing."

Nevertheless, Mr Shilovistsky feels that the need to share content will drive CAD vendors to figure out how to get onto the iPad -- and, I presume, its many imitators, especially those running the Android OS.

In the end, it's about the content, and that will outlive the iPad, its imitators, and successors.

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Me, I think the iPad unfortunately falls into the crack between the sofa cushions. Apple ceo Steven Jobs said it replaces the netbook. But how can it, when it is more expensive, less featured (USB and keyboard cost extra), and incompatible with everything, except the iPhone.

My son figures lightweight netbook convertibles (screen twists atop the keyboard) would be the ideal.

Comments

[Oleg Shilovitsky]

I don't think "when" is the most important question. Even today we have apps that can run on iPhone (3DVIA Mobile and, with some excuse even SolidWorks eDrawings - http://plmtwine.com/2009/05/16/plm-prompt-solidworks-edrawings-on-iphone/). However, the main point is that in order to turn the device into success in the specific domain you need to bring "content" that will find the right audience. So, I'd think how to generate easy-consumable content.

With regards to your comment on the device, I just want to put it in some historical perspective. When iPhone first came to the market, everybody said - without keyboard, iPhone has no chance in the business. Now, after two years, how many companies switched from RIM to iPhone?... World is moving toward FREE and COOL. So, iPad is on the second category. Just need to find content PLM consumers will love to use on iPad. This is just a matter of time, in my view.

Great discussion! Thanks!