INDUSTRY

Microsoft Windows Vista-Enabled SimOffice Provides a Comprehensive Simulation Environment for Manufacturers of All Sizes: MSC.Software today announced SimOffice, a cost-effective, desktop-based simulation solution that is designed for a wide range of manufacturers from small and mid-sized organizations to larger enterprises. SimOffice is compatible with the newly launched Microsoft Windows Vista, and enables manufacturers to benefit from existing IT investments and simulation environments through the entire suite of Microsoft productivity and collaboration solutions. With SimOffice, engineers can improve productivity through fast, reliable simulation in an easy-to-use next generation Windows Vista desktop environment. "Today MSC expands its enterprise simulation solutions to the desktop. SimOffice is among the first Windows Vista compatible simulation solutions that brings the benefits of simulation software to a wide range of large manufacturers, and key suppliers to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)," said Bill Weyand, chairman and chief executive officer, MSC Software. "SimOffice enables people within manufacturing enterprises to accelerate innovation by bringing products to market faster, using computer-based simulation to share processes across systems and suppliers, verify designs and reduce physical prototyping." SimOffice is specifically designed for engineers who design, analyze and test complex mechanical parts used in end product designs. By enabling engineers to create and test models in an intuitive Windows-based platform, manufacturers can get better, more accurate design data earlier in the product development process. With the rich collaboration capabilities of Windows Vista, engineers can also generate reports and exchange critical product performance information to make better and more informed design decisions. Moreover, SimOffice is upwardly compatible with enterprise-level MD Nastran, which provides engineers in complex supply chains with the ability to leverage existing data and processes across OEM and supplier organizations. "Microsoft is pleased to be working with MSC to deliver an enhanced collaboration experience to the engineers who are developing the latest design innovations in the automotive, aerospace and industrial markets," said Barbara Gordon, vice president of Enterprise Sales, Enterprise & Partner Group, Microsoft Corp. "Windows Vista has provided MSC with an enhanced desktop experience to deliver the information designers need to drive design success." Key SimOffice Capabilities Include: * With a tight coupling to familiar capabilities and functionality of the Microsoft Office suite, SimOffice brings a new level of productivity to even casual users * Easy to use Microsoft Windows-based finite element modeler package with MD Nastran for the following types of analyses: linear static, linear buckling, normal modes, steady-state heat transfer and dynamic-frequency response * Open platform that is easier to integrate and connect with, provides direct access to a variety of CAD systems and standards, upward compatibility with MD Nastran and MD Patran * SimOffice is collaboration ready for out-of-the-box integration with 2007 Microsoft Office Groove and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 SimOffice will be available through resellers who are a part of MSC Impact, a global channel program that allows MSC resellers to bring simulation to a wider array of organizations who either may not yet be taking advantage of simulation or for whom it is a smaller part of their business. MSC Impact brings resellers a competitive edge with channel-specific products, such as SimOffice, training and support. For more information on MSC Impact, please visit: its web site. For more information on SimOffice, visit its Web site or contact (714) 540 8900.