"As part of the new visual workstation introduction, Silicon Graphics emphasized that it is embracing a dual-platform strategy across its product lines. UNIX platform-based customers will see processor upgrades and new graphics subsystems in coming months as Silicon Graphics' traditional computer systems continue to evolve," says the press release.
The new workstations will not be "open," as are traditional Intel-based computers, due to the proprietary graphics boards and other subsystems. Microsoft is allowing SGI to modify its NT operating system to work with Visual Workstations. This could result in a time-lag in updates to the operating system and applications software.
Silicon Graphics also announced it has entered into relationships with a couple of CAD vendors. One agreement ensures AutoCAD Mechanical and Mechanical Desktop will run on the new computers. Another agreement sees that Parametric Technology's Pro/ENGINEER mechanical design software will be certified to run on the new computers.
"The news re: CalComp brings no joy to their product users as we have not been given the required support for Windows drivers, etc. for the past several months. So, in an age of rapid 'advancement', products that are well engineered and useful for many years are not supported by manufacturers due to their economic shortsightedness. I would gladly pay a reasonable amount for the ability to continue to use my CalComp digitizer, Canon BJ-330, and yes, Generic CADD. If this trend continues, no one will be able to produce drawings for a reasonable cost. Summagraphics developed the digitizer tablet technology while a part of the old Republic Aircraft Company. Many of us working with CAD still rely on our old, trusty Summagraphics pads." [Noel was the first to bring CalComp's plight to my attention -- Ed.]
... and last week brought more bad-economy news...
Modem maker Hayes Corporation abandoned any hope of emerging from bankruptcy and shut down its operations on the first business day of 1999 to prepare for liquidation. This is the second time Hayes was under bankruptcy protection. The company's pioneering efforts in making modems will always be remembered by the AT command set that Dennis Hayes had invented -- and is now used by every modem.
TurboCAD software maker IMSI says it expects to report a net loss for its second quarter ending Dec 31 '98, and lower revenues and losses for the remainder of the fiscal year. IMSI says it has retained the investment bank Hambrecht & Quist to advise on strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value as the company transitions to the Internet. "Our goal is to become the leading graphics and visual content portal for the Internet,'' says Martin Sacks, president of IMSI. Profits were hurt by lower than expected OEM and retail sales, increased cost of materials, increased amortization from Internet acquisitions, as well as a change in distribution strategy.
"What's going on over at http://www.imsisoft.com/
?
Am I the last person to notice this? Turbo CAD for absolutely free?"
-- Ben Logan
The editor replies: "They've done this before, giving away thousands
of copies of TurboCAD -- two years ago, I think -- calling it the 'Corporate
Seeding Program.' Notice the catch: they hope to get you to pay for the
upgrades."
Sybase has reduced it workforce by 400 over the last three months. This is part of a year-long restructuring program, which is "designed to bolster profits and regain market share."
...plus, these mergers are happening...
The MacNeal-Schwendler (also known as MSC) announced it has acquired Knowledge Revolution for US$19 million in cash. The company makes motion simulation software.
Dassault's recently announced that it is acquiring the Matra Datavision subsidiary that owns Euclid Styler and Euclid Macinis.
The Internet service provider Mindspring has bought Netcom users for US$245 million. [Netcom was the first commercial ISP I had ever heard of, back in 1994. -- Ed.].
The 3D toolbar ties into DataCAD modeling commands and 3D macros. The Notation toolbar enables firms to maintain a consistent 'look and feel' to the text and annotation on drawings, even when working at different scales; it links to a customized drawing notation symbol library, and automatically prompts users to enter the drawing sheet text.
The Dimensioning toolbar gives users quick access to pre-set text and dimension settings for commonly used scales. Other toolbars include a CSI-formatted toolbar, which gives users access to templates organized into the 16 CSI divisions and a Hatching toolbar for direct access to commonly used pattern fills.
DataCAD has now over 250,000 installations worldwide. http://www.datacad.com
NetSpace Systems
MicroStation GeoWater is now available only to Bentley SELECT subscribers
at US$7,900 (US) per seat (includes integrated MicroStation SE and GeoGraphics).
GeoWater is the first NetSpace municipal geoengineering product for water
network engineering and management. GeoWasteWater, for wastewater
network management, is currently in beta. http://www.bentley.com/products/beta
D-Cubed
Parametric Technology as integrated the 3D DCM into Pro/DESKTOP Release
4. The 3D DCM is being used to support the advanced constraint based assembly
modeling and mechanism motion simulation. http://www.d-cubed.co.uk
Diehl Graphsoft
MiniCAD VectorWorks was released last week, the successor to the company's
cross-platform MiniCAD 7 software. VectorWorks merges MiniCAD's technology
with object-based technology. CEO Richard Diehl points out that VectorWorks
is not simply the next version of MiniCAD with a new name attached. "This
product is truly an evolution of the whole CAD theory and methodology,
and represents the merging of our proven CAD technology with next-generation,
object-based design.
Hewlett-Packard
HP has formed "a wholly owned subsidiary" called Apollo Consumer Products
for developing inkjet printers for less than US$100. [There irony is
in the name: Apollo used to make high-end workstations and was Sun's primary
competitor -- back in the late 1980s. HP bought Apollo, integrated the
workstations into the HP line, and now is resurrecting the name for cheap
computer products -- Ed.] "HP says the new Apollo brand will sell printers
in much the same way GE sells appliances, targeting the shopper who seeks
basic functions and considers cost and appearance."
Iomega
A new adapter for the external 2MB Jaz drive connects to USB ports
on PCs and Macs. http://www.iomega.com
Spatial Technology
Modularis Software GmbH has implemented ACIS in their StarVars 2000
and StarVars Explorer software systems. StarVars 2000 is a fundamental
toolkit for the development and maintenance of digital parts catalogs,
which can be published on Internet servers or on CD-ROMs. StarVars
Explorer lets users display and generate components and parts created in
ACIS-enabled StarVars 2000. http://www.starvars.de
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