The European Commission is looking at the competitive situation on the market for specialist design software and has requested information from at least one company in the sector. Known as computer-aided-design or ‘CAD’ software, the technology allows designers such as engineers and architects to build computerised 2D and 3D models of their work. Related software products also track how designs evolve over time.
US firm Autodesk, which develops the AutoCAD software popular among architects, told MLex that it was “aware that the commission is reviewing the CAD industry. We have not received a visit from the commission. We have and will continue to provide anything the commission has requested in this matter,” said the company. The commission had no immediate comment.
Among other major developers in the sector are Nemetschek, which makes the Vectorworks software; and Bentley, which makes Microstations [sic]. Both companies could not reply to requests for comment. Similarly, Dassault Systemes was unable to comment.
About time?
Posted by: DF | Apr 27, 2011 at 04:48 PM
This is exactly why you should not let friends drink and drive AutoCAD. Next thing you know you'll wake up next to some ugly proprietary "custom object" that is making your friends, your co-workers and your customers wonder about your decision making abilities while they struggle with the incompatible nature of custom object "proxy hell". Of course you listened to that fast talking ARX sales guy telling you that you'll never have to worry because all DWG objects are compatible with their software! Now that you think about it he never said the DWGs could be used by anybody elses products. Wow, you just put yourself in jeopardy of SINGLE VENDOR LOCKIN. Hmmm, right about now you want to chew that arm off thats wrapped around the ugly proxy and get away without it waking up. Too late my friend, your stuck with Mr. Proxy forever, so sorry, I guess you should have spoken up sooner.
Posted by: IntelliCAD | Apr 27, 2011 at 05:18 PM
This is a very good idea. I am quite sure the big ones like Autodesk and Dassault Systemes and others are bullying the smaller companies
Posted by: John B.L. | Nov 14, 2011 at 09:20 PM