Being in the engineering field for 6 years, I am exposed to a fair share of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturings (CAM) software. The list is always growing but I will share on some of them and how their license is been marketed. Hopefully with my sharing, readers can have a idea what business model each software uses.
I have no business interest with these software houses so my views are end-user based and neutral but still the views generated are subjected to each reader own discreet. Below are the breakdown for UG Siemens Unigraphics, Solidworks, Solid-designer & Dassult CATIA.
Unigraphics has a long and well established branding in the molding, precision engineering industry. Its UG NX 3 onwards versions are geared towards the younger generation of designers who are more used to windows based icons and format. In 2006/07, it was bought over by Siemens and now known as UG Siemens. Licenses are available in both floating and dong based. Its retail CAM license cost about S$22,500 (exclude GST). Maintenance is at 20% of initial retail pricing (excluding any discount that may be given during the initial investment). If existing user do not maintain the license and later wants to renew the maintenance, they will have to pay back the period when the maintenance is not covered. Though cases are known that customer do not pay back this backpay maintenance, it is on a case to case basis with favor going to UG Siemens. After all, most educational in Singapore offering engineering modules have UG so students are 'brain washed' to use it just like M$ office.
Solid-designer used to belong to HP and was a in-house developed software until HP sold it away. Most HP suppliers will have used solid designer before as its file format is the default format given by HP to its suppliers. The case remains the same today and most suppliers are more than happy to inconvenience themselves due to the good profit margin generated with HP as their of their customer. Their license model is similar to unigraphics and most suppliers continue to maintain minimum a license seat of this software.
Catia is very famous software in automotive and aerospace industry. As these 2 industries are highly sensitive and demanding in details, Catia as proved itself to a reliable software platform. Their license model is similar to unigraphics with a catch that most customers may not be aware. Once the license maintenance is over and customer do not intend to renew, all the investment thrown into this software will go up in smoke; in short if we do not maintain the license, we cannot use the software. It is not running on a Sas business model yet act this way. so readers who are exploring this software, be warned...... The pricing of Catia is not cheap in any way (s$16,500/ license and depends on modules) and its many functions can be replicated by all the listed software here.
Solidworks is a newcomer to this CAD/CAM software industry (at least i felt this way) and is making its name. It is very user friendly and creates design in block. This shorten design time and makes collaboration simple. Solidworks is very popular with rapid design pro-typing. Its pricing of S$16,000 is also cheaper when compared to other software listed; a plus point in these cost sensitive times. Same license model as unigraphics with the difference of no need to repay the lapsed maintenance period. (at least that is the current practice)
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