WALTHAM, MA (SolidWork Media Event), Sep 6, 2012 - Unlike previous SolidWorks media events, we are given less dazzle. Hot topics of “cloud” and “green”
are only mentioned when asked about, and then downplayed. Wait...the only
cloud was mentioned but it was about balloon clouds used in 2D drawings.
Bertrand Sicot, CEO, addresses the press and bloggers at SolidWorks annual press event.
We were
treated to a host of enhancements in the core product SolidWorks (though
mercifully not all 350 of them) as well as 2 big new addons for electrical and
mold flow. Most conspicuous in its absence was competitor bashing, which seems
to have become the norm at press events at other vendors.
As CEO Sicot tells us, “It’s not the “SolidWorks Way.”
SolidWorks seems to have the high road all to itself, while traffic snarls
below. With a position of market leadership in MCAD, it is (for now) content to
allow others to criticize, to stir up trouble, cast fear and doubt. Others brag of SolidWorks users who defect to their brand, I hear from one prominent SolidWorkers that hundreds are doing the opposite, may be too numerous to mention. “We’re just not going to play that game,” he says.
But CEO Sicot let us know at the press event that “half of all
sales are from new accounts.” We just shouldn’t expect a press release every time
that happens.
Has it always been that way with SolidWorks? It may be in the company’s DNA, if
I may use the common marketing parlance. The way it quietly supports noble
causes, from Rwanda* to the PMC (raising funds for cancer research) to helping inner city youth to baby incubators made
out of old auto parts for the 3rd world. Withour any “Hey, look at me, how good
I am.” Would a company like that trash the competition? No, I don’t think so.
SolidWorks is in there somewhere. The Dassault Systemes campus in Waltham, MA.
In fact, with this event, the SolidWorks way may signal a return to basics, to
customer needs and its core expertise. Whereas in previous years, where the
company got way ahead of its own users, essentially telling them what was
important (clouds), what was good for them (going green), we are hearing about better
tools that users are actually asking for.
SolidWorks 2013 introduces new ways to make
conic sections, which previously had to be constructed with B-splines. In
another example, users of a previous release (SolidWorks 2012) can -–for the
first time -- read models from the current release. Dozens of improvemements enfold, including "delighters," which they hope will generate applause at the upcoming SolidWorks World in Orlando. Many
changes have to do with 2D drawings. Does it have the glamor of green? The
loftiness of clouds? No. But necessary? I think so.
Is this a deliberate move to solidify (pun intended) its user base? Back to
basics, a re-focus? A quiet and dignified answer to its harshest and loudest
critics?
We’ve all spent a year since the last SolidWorks press event listening to
contrary voices. The kernel change will blow your models out of the water. Direct
modeling is the answer and history-based is dead. The parade of defecting users. The end is near, their voices rising, in chorus.
SolidWorks stands firm. They respond quietly, with dignity, with numbers.
Quarter after quarter of rising sales, almost 2 million users… Not exactly an
epitath. But a company that is strong, still a leader, therefore
the envy of others.
David Stott, CFO, shows the climb to 2 million users. Granted, 1.4 million are in schools, but still, which CAD company wouldn't want these numbers?
-----
*SolidWorks provides financial support to Innovate3D, Roopinder's other company.
are only mentioned when asked about, and then downplayed. Wait...the only
cloud was mentioned but it was about balloon clouds used in 2D drawings.
Bertrand Sicot, CEO, addresses the press and bloggers at SolidWorks annual press event.
We were
treated to a host of enhancements in the core product SolidWorks (though
mercifully not all 350 of them) as well as 2 big new addons for electrical and
mold flow. Most conspicuous in its absence was competitor bashing, which seems
to have become the norm at press events at other vendors.
As CEO Sicot tells us, “It’s not the “SolidWorks Way.”
SolidWorks seems to have the high road all to itself, while traffic snarls
below. With a position of market leadership in MCAD, it is (for now) content to
allow others to criticize, to stir up trouble, cast fear and doubt. Others brag of SolidWorks users who defect to their brand, I hear from one prominent SolidWorkers that hundreds are doing the opposite, may be too numerous to mention. “We’re just not going to play that game,” he says.
But CEO Sicot let us know at the press event that “half of all
sales are from new accounts.” We just shouldn’t expect a press release every time
that happens.
Has it always been that way with SolidWorks? It may be in the company’s DNA, if
I may use the common marketing parlance. The way it quietly supports noble
causes, from Rwanda* to the PMC (raising funds for cancer research) to helping inner city youth to baby incubators made
out of old auto parts for the 3rd world. Withour any “Hey, look at me, how good
I am.” Would a company like that trash the competition? No, I don’t think so.
In fact, with this event, the SolidWorks way may signal a return to basics, to
customer needs and its core expertise. Whereas in previous years, where the
company got way ahead of its own users, essentially telling them what was
important (clouds), what was good for them (going green), we are hearing about better
tools that users are actually asking for.
SolidWorks 2013 introduces new ways to make
conic sections, which previously had to be constructed with B-splines. In
another example, users of a previous release (SolidWorks 2012) can -–for the
first time -- read models from the current release. Dozens of improvemements enfold, including "delighters," which they hope will generate applause at the upcoming SolidWorks World in Orlando. Many
changes have to do with 2D drawings. Does it have the glamor of green? The
loftiness of clouds? No. But necessary? I think so.
Is this a deliberate move to solidify (pun intended) its user base? Back to
basics, a re-focus? A quiet and dignified answer to its harshest and loudest
critics?
We’ve all spent a year since the last SolidWorks press event listening to
contrary voices. The kernel change will blow your models out of the water. Direct
modeling is the answer and history-based is dead. The parade of defecting users. The end is near, their voices rising, in chorus.
SolidWorks stands firm. They respond quietly, with dignity, with numbers.
Quarter after quarter of rising sales, almost 2 million users… Not exactly an
epitath. But a company that is strong, still a leader, therefore
the envy of others.
-----
*SolidWorks provides financial support to Innovate3D, Roopinder's other company.
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