FORT WORTH, TX -- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company announced today that it has selected Dassault Systemes (Nasdaq:DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) and IBM for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions and services, including CATIA and DELMIA software and implementation as well as training and integration services. In addition, the IBM IntelliStation workstations were selected as the single preferred systems for UNIX and Intel-based design environments. This marks a milestone in a strategic relationship between the three companies during which IBM and Dassault Systemes will offer Lockheed computer-based development tools and processes for the next generation advanced military aircraft, the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Lockheed Martin has set aggressive goals for reducing product cost, development time, and manufacturing and product support span times to gain a significant competitive advantage in worldwide aircraft manufacturing, modification and maintenance. Within the JSF (F-35) program, the JSF team will meet these goals by integrating the design and manufacturing environments using Dassault Systemes' CATIA and DELMIA Solutions. IBM and Dassault Systemes will support the Lockheed Martin Virtual Development Environment, enabling first-time computer-assisted construction of a jet, by providing key capabilities based on Dassault Systemes' computer-aided design and manufacturing software. ``The Virtual Development Environment is one of the ways Lockheed Martin is making advances in product development, with primary focus on affordability and reduction of technical risks to meet customer requirements,'' explained Charla Wise, vice president of Engineering at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. ``It will allow our engineers to simulate every aspect of aircraft design, support and manufacture before tools and parts are actually created. By improving designs early in the development stage, we can significantly reduce cycle times and costs while achieving unparalleled levels of quality.'' Wise said the partnership would enable the JSF team to accelerate infrastructure and technology solutions, which is one of the key processes and initiatives helping to achieve the company's business objectives. ``This alliance shows commitment on the part of IBM and Dassault Systemes to support our strategy of integrating the best tools into our Virtual Design Environment, resulting in reduced integration costs for Lockheed Martin'', said Mark Peden, vice president of Information Systems and Technology. ``In addition, moving to standardized hardware will result in considerable acquisition and support cost savings over the next three years.'' ``Next-generation products require next-generation business processes,'' said Ed Petrozelli, general manager, IBM Product Lifecycle Management. ``IBM solutions leveraging the advanced functionality of CATIA help Lockheed Martin collaborate with its value chain on level of sophistication and product intimacy commensurate with its now-proven JSF concept. The synergy and optimization between IBM and Dassault Systemes development laboratories is certainly reflected in our workstation performance and should advance the information technology strategies across Aeronautics.'' ``With CATIA and DELMIA, Lockheed Martin will exploit the industry's most complete and sophisticated technologies,'' said Philippe Forestier, executive vice president, Sales & Marketing, Dassault Systemes. ``Best practices process-optimization tools and dedicated aerospace functionality will enhance partner collaboration and facilitate new levels of competitive advantage required by the Lockheed Martin JSF team.'' Lockheed Martin has been chosen as the sole prime contractor for the JSF program to build the next generation fighter for both the United States and United Kingdom. This is the largest Government contract ever awarded to date by the Pentagon. For more information visit www.lmaeronautics.com , www.ibm.com or www.dsweb.com