Dassault Systèmes Unveils 3D XML for Product Lifecycle Management

Next-generation open format facilitates easy sharing of accurate 3D data at lower costs

Paris, France – Oct. 13, 2004 – Dassault Systèmes (NASDAQ: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced the introduction of 3D XML for PLM (Extensible Markup Language for Product Lifecycle Management), a universal, lightweight XML-based format that enables users to capture and share live, accurate 3D data quickly and easily.

3D XML compresses highly complex data, with file sizes up to 99 percent smaller than those of existing formats. Developed in conjunction with industry leaders, it provides rapid file transmission and shorter load times while maintaining the exact geometry of the files exchanged. Using 3D XML, users can drag and drop files into other applications such as e-mail or office applications. The new format will greatly enhance collaboration around 3D information.

“We are a strong supporter of this technology,” said Yoshikazu Amano, managing officer, Toyota Motor Corporation. “This format provides both speed and accuracy in the exchange of 3D files and facilitates easy collaboration with our suppliers, partners and customers.”

“Dassault Systèmes’ adoption of XML for 3D and PLM applications is at the cornerstone of our contribution to open standards and will support future alliances with customers and industries, as well as within the IT community,” said Bernard Charlès, CEO, Dassault Systèmes. “Our goal is to reduce integration costs and unlock the value of 3D PLM.”

Unlike existing formats, 3D XML is fully based on standard XML. Therefore, any software program will be able to read, write, and enrich 3D XML content using standard tools. This capability will facilitate broad adoption by other software developers and lower the cost of converting files from existing 3D formats.

With 3D XML, the use of sophisticated 3D graphics is no longer restricted to engineering departments. These graphics can now easily be incorporated into technical documentation, maintenance manuals, marketing brochures, websites, email communications and many other everyday uses. This re-use of 3D information broadens the base of 3D users.

3D XML leverages and extends Lattice Technology’s XVL solutions and expertise as part of a partnership announced in July. Lattice Technology’s advanced XVL solutions for compressing highly complex data accurately and Dassault Systèmes’ unique mathematical strengths and extensive suite of collaborative solutions combine forces in this unique format for the exchange of live 3D information.

Dassault Systèmes is introducing this collaborative, open 3D format for PLM to its customers based on Version 5, Release 14 (V5R14) of its PLM solutions, which the company announced on Sept. 28. Dassault Systèmes has incorporated the 3D XML format in its entire line of products – CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SMARTEAM, SolidWorks and Spatial – and will incorporate it into further releases of its solutions.