GPS + drills = Trimble’s vision

Jul 14, 2011 | Hot Topics

Back in May, Trimble Navigation announced that it wanted to acquire Tekla Corporation to build out its vision of a connected construction site. Yesterday the company said that its Finnish subsidiary had acquired over 99% of Tekla’s outstanding shares, meaning...

FIRST builds the next generation

Jul 11, 2011 | Hot Topics

Friday’s launch of the last NASA space shuttle mission made me think of many things — not the least of which is just how much people of my generation were motivated by the space program to become engineers, scientists and astronaut-wannabees. (C’mon – it’s...

AVEVA making steady progress

Jul 7, 2011 | Hot Topics

AVEVA released an interim statement today, in which it briefly goes over business trends seen in the June quarter (AVEVA reports in more detail twice a year). The statement used words such as “further growth”, “strengthening” and “steady progress” — so while no...

1 2 3 4 User conferences

Jul 6, 2011 | Hot Topics

If you’ve been following this blog over the last few months, you’ll have noticed that I’ve been traveling. A LOT. In all, I attended 4 user conferences and 3 other meetings in 5 weeks. Aside from the surreality of bouncing between Orlando, Las Vegas...

Altair’s building something big

Jul 1, 2011 | Hot Topics

Last week, I spent several days with Altair and its customers in Orlando — I’m not sure how, but I’ve managed to miss all previous HyperWorks user conferences and was excited to see what Altair is all about. I came away very impressed, both with the...
ANSYS to acquire Apache – who?

ANSYS to acquire Apache – who?

Jun 30, 2011 | Hot Topics

I spent a good part of the day learning about Apache, the company ANSYS announced today it was planning to buy. While I can’t say that I understand exactly how PowerArtist, Totem, RedHawk and Sentinel work, here’s what I’ve learned since the first...

ANSYS to acquire Apache Design

Jun 30, 2011 | Hot Topics

ANSYS today announced that it intends to acquire Apache Design Solutions, Inc., which provides advanced, low power solutions in the electronics industry for approximately $310 million in cash. I am told that Apache was just about to price its IPO, so we’ll have to...

PTC roadmaps aplenty

Jun 17, 2011 | Hot Topics

Another Las Vegas extravaganza wrapped yesterday, as thousands of PTC faithful headed for the exits at Caesar’s Palace. I’m not a fan of Vegas in general, but PTC made it work. The company showcased its new management team (energetic, visionary with practical bits...

ESI revenue up 9% in Q1

Jun 16, 2011 | Hot Topics

ESI Group yesterday reported results for the quarter ended April 30, 2011. Total revenue for the quarter was €17.3 million, up 9% as reported and up 8% in constant currencies. The company said performance was strongest in Europe and the Americas, with a year/year...

PTC World, day 1: Creo and more

Jun 14, 2011 | Hot Topics

PTC users have gathered in Las Vegas for PTC World 2011 to hear from the company and other users how to use PTC products for competitive advantage. After a long day of presentations and meetings, here are a few impressions on what I’ve learned; more to come in the...