It would be for the customer to decide whether they wanted a direct translator, or whether their needs would be better met through using STEP translators. STEP is an international standard data model for sharing and archiving product data. It differs from previous standards for the exchange of graphics by encompassing the full range of product data, not just geometry. It has been developed using the latest electronic data handling techniques, and is designed to make data useable for 50-100 years via open international standards. This concept makes STEP particularly attractive for engineering projects which have long life cycles, such as in aerospace.
STEP brings further benefits through the inclusion of meta data in the scope of data translation.
This means that the act of exchanging geometric models also makes it possible to automatically update product data management systems. These capabilities have already been implemented in STEP AP203 and AP214 protocols. PDES is a consortium of engineering companies which has been formed with the aim of accelerating the implementation of STEP, and it includes companies such as Boeing, Pratt and Whitney, General Motors, Ford, Nasa, British Aerospace and Rolls Royce. Renault and Peugeot have recently agreed to join the consortium.