Today's Criteria for Choosing Design and Analysis Software
Over the past decade, the differences between competitive computer-aided engineering (CAE) software
applications have narrowed significantly.
Today, all leading analysis software packages work closely with computer-aided design (CAD),
sport a Windows®-style user interface and, for the most common analysis needs (linear static stress, linear dynamics and heat transfer),
provide technical capabilities that are practically identical to the competition.
While there are certainly still some differences in capabilities,
only a small percentage of users really care about those specialized features.
For the great majority of users, the software looks and feels pretty much the same and gives the same answers.
In today's CAE market, it's important to understand that an investment in design and analysis software is not just about the actual software.
Instead, it's about the overall set of tools that are available to assist you in the design process.
For example, what type of customer service is available for the software?
What training options are available?
What methods are in place for you to provide feedback?
How often are upgrades available?
Choosing the right vendor could be more about understanding these areas than it is about the actual software application.
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2007 Industry Reports
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