Increasing Adoption of Open 3D XML Format Extends Automotive 3D Beyond Design Engineering

Powerway Leveraging Value of New Format To Add 3D To Existing Applications; Demonstration in Microsoft AutoTech 2005 Booth #742

Detroit, August 29, 2005 – Dassault Systèmes (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced that a new example of the power of 3D XML, currently under development by Powerway, is being demonstrated in the Microsoft booth at AutoTech 2005 (Booth #742). Powerway, working with Microsoft, developed a demonstration that extends the value of 3D design data throughout an automotive OEM, bridging informational and organizational silos quickly and efficiently.  This application, developed using 3D XML, illustrates the power of 3D and the openness of the 3D XML standard.

Using the 3D XML documentation and tools available freely at www.3ds.com/3dxml, Powerway added 3D capabilities into their existing industry-leading product, Powerway.com, and then, working with Microsoft, developed a demonstration that tied together real-time product data that management, engineering, and suppliers can then access via their existing applications, such as the Microsoft Office product suite. The new application requires no additional learning by existing users. The demonstration depicts a critical design issue, and shows how management, design engineers and suppliers can work together to solve the problem, quickly and collaboratively, by seeing it in 3D, a medium that transcends language and organizational barriers, as well as intra-company information silos.

Unlike other 3D formats, no commitment of time, membership or money was required to use the open 3D XML format.  In fact, Powerway has no formal relationship with Dassault Systèmes.

“We understood the value of enhancing our current product line with a universal communication medium such as 3D.  After hearing about 3D XML, we knew it was the perfect format for us to do this,” said Steve Scott, CTO, Powerway, “because XML can be incorporated immediately into almost any application.”

3D XML is a universal, lightweight XML-based format that enables users to capture and share live, accurate 3D data quickly and easily.  3D XML extends the use of 3D beyond traditional design, collaboration and production applications. 3D content can now easily be incorporated into a variety of media, including but not limited to technical documentation, maintenance manuals, marketing brochures, websites, email communications, and many other everyday uses.

“We received good feedback on the addition of 3D to Powerway.com at Traverse City [the prestigious Management Briefing Seminars held in Traverse City, Michigan, from August 1 – 5, 2005],” said Scott. “The executives were excited about the ability to share 3D design data across organizations, using whatever interfaces were most appropriate.  Leveraging the open 3D XML standard, users can view results from Excel, Word, PowerPoint, CATIA V5, or Powerway.com, based on their role and preference.”

“The Powerway solution is a great example of the simplicity and usability of the open 3D XML format, and how automotive manufacturers are adopting it to enhance existing applications for better enterprise collaboration,” said Kyle Solomon, Global Industry Manager, Automotive, Microsoft Corp..  ”A few clicks on www.3ds.com and our customers have been able to rapidly and easily develop a solution that will bring success to their new product development performance.”

“3D is the most effective way to communicate and solve product and process issues,” said Pascal Daloz, vice president, Strategy, Dassault Systèmes. “Powerway is an example of how to extend 3D beyond traditional Product Lifecycle Management applications and deliver more value by leveraging this critical information across a broad base of users.”