MSC.Software Corp. the leading global provider of Virtual Product Development (VPD) solutions, including simulation software and services, today announced the appointment of Frank Kovacs, a seasoned strategic alliance executive, as its new vice president, strategic alliances. Mr. Kovacs' responsibilities will include the management of business development, strategic partner alliances, and industry partnerships. Mr. Kovacs has more than 20 years of experience in the software industry and joins MSC.Software from SupportSoft, where he served as vice president of strategic sales and strategic partner development. Prior to SupportSoft, Mr. Kovacs held executive positions at Portal Software, including vice president of the IBM global strategic alliance, vice president and general manager of Australia and New Zealand, and vice president of corporate communications. Mr. Kovacs was the vice president of strategic alliances at EDS PLM Solutions and also held several executive positions at SDRC prior to its acquisition by EDS in 2001, including vice president of strategic business alliances, vice president of marketing, and vice president of sales and marketing of Asia Pacific. Prior to SDRC, Mr. Kovacs was director of corporate accounts for BasicComputer, a key IBM business partner. "With the addition of Frank Kovacs, we are adding another seasoned enterprise software executive who brings more than 20 years of industry experience in developing and growing strategic alliances to accelerate MSC's growth going forward," said Bill Weyand, chairman and CEO, MSC.Software. "Frank's role is to expand MSC.Software's market presence as well as market share as we focus on developing key alliances with strategic partners and industry partners. On behalf of the management team and the board of directors, I am pleased to welcome Frank to the team."