SolidWorks and Silicon Graphics Partner to Revolutionize Desktop CAD Workstations

Strategic Insights -

SolidWorks Corporation, a leading provider of production 3D CAD software, has announced a partnership with Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI) to develop and market Windows NT-based visual workstations for the mainstream CAD market. This collaboration marks SGI's entry into the Windows NT market, bringing high-end visual computing functionality, performance, and capabilities to the desktop at mainstream pricing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between SolidWorks and Silicon Graphics aims to develop and market Windows NT-based visual workstations for the mainstream CAD market.
  • The new workstations, featuring Silicon Graphics' 540 and 320 models, offer high-end visual computing functionality and performance at mainstream pricing.
  • The Silicon Graphics 540, a quad-processor Pentium II Xeon-based graphics workstation, will start at $5,595 and ship in the second quarter of 1999.
  • The Silicon Graphics 320, a dual-processor Pentium II-based system, will start at $3,395 and begin shipping in February 1999.
  • The partnership is expected to drive rapid growth in CAD Windows NT revenues over the next three years, according to Phil Uchno, vice president of Manufacturing Industries at SGI.

Statistics:

  • Over 22,000 seats of SolidWorks software have been sold to more than 8,500 customers in 3 years.
  • SolidWorks has offices worldwide and distributes its products through a network of 200 resellers selling in 43 countries.
  • The partnership aims to offer customers an unmatched desktop CAD solution with SolidWorks 98Plus coupled with the Silicon Graphics 320 and 540 workstations.
  • The Silicon Graphics visual workstations are 100% compatible with Windows NT-certified off-the-shelf applications.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "SolidWorks Corporation Announces Silicon Graphics As A Solution Partner And Introduces Windows NT-Based Workstations For The Mainstream CAD Market," 12.22.98f
  • SolidWorks Corporation, "About SolidWorks Corporation"
  • Silicon Graphics, Inc., "About Silicon Graphics"
  • SolidWorks Corporation, "SolidWorks 98Plus Product Description"