In Support of its MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) Software Products, Bentley Adds Parasolid Bodyshop and D-Cubed PGM and Expands Deployment of JT Data Format

PLANO, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 19, 2012 — Siemens PLM Software has significantly expanded its long-standing software license agreement with Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. The expanded agreement, which adds licensing for two new software component products, enhances Bentley’s ability to more widely deploy the popular JT™ data format, and strengthens the long-term commitment of both parties to the continued support of Parasolid® software and D-Cubed™ software throughout MicroStation® V8i (SELECTseries)-based software applications. It also reinforces the growing presence of these versatile software components in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) software industry.

“Our MicroStation software is used by engineers, architects, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators to design, model, visualize, document, map, and sustain the world’s infrastructure,” said Harry Vitelli, Bentley vice president, MicroStation and ProjectWise Products. “These professionals count on us to supply software with robust functionality and unsurpassed reliability. They also want open solutions that don’t impede their ability to collaborate and interoperate with their other suppliers and business partners. That’s why our relationship with Siemens PLM Software is so important. Our decision to expand and strengthen that relationship is based on the excellent support we receive from their people and the world-class quality of their software.”

Bentley added Parasolid Bodyshop and D-Cubed Profile Geometry Manager (PGM) to the list of component solutions it licenses from Siemens PLM Software. Through the ability of Bodyshop to “heal” imperfect 3D geometry imported from third-party CAD systems, Bentley can enable MicroStation users to significantly improve the reliability and usability of geometry received from its suppliers, customers and business partners.

JT enhances MicroStation interoperability

In addition to the new software added to its licensing agreement, Bentley is also expanding its commitment to Siemens PLM Software’s JT data format, which is widely used throughout the world for accurately, securely and efficiently sharing mechanical 3D information among multiple organizations and throughout an entire manufacturing supply chain. Bentley can now deploy JT more widely, making it available in every MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)-based product and providing these MicroStation users with an enhanced ability to share mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) 3D geometry.

One example of how Bentley will use JT to enhance interoperability is in its OpenPlant process plant design software. When using solid modeling technology for machine design, it is normal to require integration with process design software for installation and hook-up details. OpenPlant employs MicroStation technology to provide a seamless interface, allowing for the reception and output of data in JT format. Firms, such as P&G, use this method on projects to enhance interference detection and design review, providing their organizations with a competitive advantage. And recently, the design and engineering functions of the Siemens Energy Fossil Power Division based in the U.S.A., India, and Germany selected OpenPlant for 3D design, citing interoperability as an important factor.

“The interoperability provided through OpenPlant with its MicroStation foundation and the ISO 15926 open data model enables us to both protect our investment and reuse our design models, all while achieving greater productivity across our disciplines and project phases,” said Dr. Oliver Hoffman, Application Compliance manager, Siemens Energy.

Due to the widespread adoption of JT throughout the product lifecycle management (PLM) software industry, the JT file format reference document has already been accepted by ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) as a Publicly Available Specification, and a formal process is underway to establish the JT format itself as an ISO standard for lightweight 3D data.

Growing presence in AEC software

Parasolid and D-Cubed software components have been the leading solutions of their kind in the MCAD market for many years. However, their presence in the AEC software market has been growing significantly and today’s announcement further reinforces that trend.

“Siemens PLM Software is committed to providing our customers with excellent products and services and promoting an open business policy,” said Paul Sicking, CTO, Siemens PLM Software. “So when we are able to expand and strengthen our relationship with one of our long-standing customers, it serves to validate our success; and when that customer is an AEC industry leader like Bentley, it is especially gratifying. Bentley is an important influence on the growing adoption of our component solutions in the AEC market.”

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with seven million licensed seats and more than 71,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software works collaboratively with companies, delivering open solutions to help them make smarter decisions that result in better products. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About Siemens Industry Automation Division

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) supports the entire value chain of its industrial customers – from product design to production and services – with an unmatched combination of automation technology, industrial control technology, and industrial software. With its software solutions, the Division can shorten the time-to-market of new products by up to 50 percent. Industry Automation comprises five Business Units: Industrial Automation Systems, Control Components and Systems Engineering, Sensors and Communications, Siemens PLM Software, and Water Technologies. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/industryautomation .