SolidWorks is doing Something Right

They started out as the little guy and now it seems everyone is afraid of them.  I am talking about SolidWorks.  I had the opportunity to attend the SoildWorks user conference.  It was well attended, had great sessions and a decent product exhinition.  I did not hear one bad things about the conference.  The keynotes were energetic and upbeat.  Hard to do when talking about CAD. 

At Manufacturing Week, SolidWorks was a huge presence.  PTC took a couple of potshots with some brochures while SolidEdge and UG made a few remarks during presentations.  But SolidWorks held its ground. 

They know how to market the products and have focused on CAD.  It is what they do best.  They have partnered with other vendors to supply CAM and FEA.  The philosphy of focusing on what you do best and partnering with others is paying off for SolidWorks - big-time. 

They may have been the 100 pound weakling, but now, they are leading the pack.

Comments

[Speed Racer]

Let's also not forget how successful SWX is at keeping the French out of their way. Take a look at all the purchases that DS had made over the years and how they've managed to really mess things up. SWX's message to DS: buy us but stay the F out of our way. BTW, how is Spatial, the DS lap dance. Oh, SmarTeam? Really screwed up as they have to spend the next decade weaving thru that Catia Adolescent Architecture. They are now spending the next 15 releases on making the stuff work. Would have been better off as an independent.

SWX is doing well because they partner well, unlike DS. SWX sticks to their core stuff which is modelling and drafting. They count on partners to provide the rest of the equation.

Perhaps DS should take lessons on SWX's success.