Using CAD saves a lot of money and reduces product development cycles. But CAD can also cost big bucks to users, and I'm not talking about the cost of purchasing the program. It's rare to exchange models without some problems cropping up. Solutions, when they are found, range from a few clicks of a mouse to rebuilding most of the model from scratch. Building CAD models and building sandcastles have a lot in common.
Some kids are open to sharing their pails and shovels.
The good news is that software is becoming more open. True program and data interoperability will become reality, predicts Paulsen. The bad news is that it won't be easy. The reasons for the problems in the first place are only partially due to suppliers' penchants for proprietorship. The more challenging issues relate to technical incompatibilities.