SDRC Announces I-DEAS Software Release7.

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 1999--

Extending the Enterprise With Web-Enabled Collaboration,

Expanded Manufacturing Capabilities, VGX(TM) Enhancements,

and Industry-Specific Applications

SDRC (Nasdaq:SDRC), a leading provider of enterprise product development

This latest version of SDRC's mechanical design automation software suite extends the product development enterprise with web-enabled collaboration, expanded manufacturing capabilities, VGX(TM) extensions (including a first-of-its-kind break-through capability for product evaluation), and industry specific applications -- supported by excellent usability tools.

"With release 7, SDRC is positioning itself to address the requirements of users needing enterprise-level solutions that support the total product creation process," said Charles M. Foundyller, president, Daratech, Inc. "We spoke to a number of SDRC's beta customers, and all had high praise for I-DEAS Master Series 7. This appears to be a solid release, and strengthens SDRC's claim to a leading position in world class, enterprise-level product development solutions."

Web-Enabled Collaboration

To extend its workgroup data management technology, SDRC recently announced I-DEAS Web Access (reference SDRC news release dated April 14, 1999). I-DEAS Web Access is available in I-DEAS Master Series, release 7, and uses a Java-based, thin-client server to connect the engineering team and its product development process with the extended team -- manufacturing, marketing, management, and others -- building on SDRC's I-DEAS Team Data Manager(TM) software capabilities. This web-based collaboration tool provides a low-cost, Windows capability for secure, native I-DEAS data access. I-DEAS Web Access is supported by three SDRC I-DEAS Solutions NetworkSM partners -- CAD Centric Systems, Inc., Engineering Animation, Inc., and RenderView Software, Inc. -- all who offer a range of best-in-class visualization products enabled by I-DEAS Web Access.

New Toolpath Engine for Manufacturing

With this release, I-DEAS Generative Machining(TM) software represents the largest enhancement ever to SDRC's computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) applications. Supported by a 500% increase in development resources (through SDRC's earlier acquisition of CAMAX), SDRC's manufacturing development team has made great strides with this release, and it is the vehicle by which the company plans to accelerate its on-going delivery schedule for I-DEAS manufacturing applications.

I-DEAS Generative Machining, release 7, delivers a new toolpath engine significantly faster (anywhere from 10x to 50x -- with larger jobs resulting in a greater magnitude of improvement factors) for surface finishing operations. It also provides greater control over toolpath creation. Additionally, functional improvements have been incorporated for all surface-based milling operations -- copymill, flowline, projection, volume clear, and profile. Developed to take full advantage of the solid model, this release is of particular importance to companies with three-axis milling requirements, common in the tool, die and mold market, and also provides innovative tools for multi-axis holemaking.

"I was extremely pleased with the production quality and reliability of I-DEAS Generative Machining," said Ron Shrout, senior development specialist, Lexmark International. "Coupled with the significant improvements in overall performance, this product will certainly enhance my team's ability to successfully meet its product manufacturing requirements."

Integrating More 'Art-to-Part' Capabilities Within I-DEAS(TM) Software

I-DEAS Master Series 7 offers a strengthened integration between I-DEAS and SDRC's recently acquired Imageware(TM) software products. SDRC customers will benefit from the inclusion of these technologies -- proven leadership in reverse engineering and inspection, as well as award-winning surfacing capabilities -- for designing, building, and inspecting free-form shaped products. These types of solutions are used widely throughout the aerospace, automotive, consumer product, entertainment and general manufacturing sectors.

Extending SDRC's Award-Winning VGX(TM) Technology and Addressing Industry Needs

I-DEAS Master Series 7 extends SDRC's award-winning VGX technology to several applications: -0-

VGX(TM) for analysis

--   I-DEAS Variational Analysis(TM), announced in February (reference
     SDRC's press release dated February 9, 1999), is now widely
     available with the release of I-DEAS Master Series 7. In a single
     iteration (one mesh and one solve), variational analysis provides
     all the results corresponding to multiple variations of design
     parameters. Varitional analysis performs linear statics and
     dynamic solves. Significant time-to-market and product quality
     benefits can be realized by providing structural performance
     insight for multiple design concepts.

To address industry-specific, process-related design steps, SDRC introduces new I-DEAS functionality in the areas of surfacing extensions and moldbase design. -0-

VGX(TM) Surfacing Extensions

--   I-DEAS Master Series 7 offers extended capabilities in automated
     flanging -- a requirement for the automotive industry with
     leveraged benefits for the aerospace, electronics, and industrial
     industries. These capabilities enable complex, 3-D associations
     to be developed between industrial design, or styled class 1
     surfaces, and the supporting structural geometry (often referred
     to as class 2 surfaces). Additional functionality is available
     for support of deep drawn sheet metal components.

VGX for Moldbase Design

--   I-DEAS VGX Moldbase automates the design of fully assembled molds
     starting with standard moldbases and components. Through a set of
     streamlined commands, a user can easily create a complete
     moldbase assembly. Additionally, dimension-driven intelligent
     mold features can be added to the assembly using a unique 3D
     dynamic drag and drop preview capability to adjust size and
     position. I-DEAS VGX Moldbase will allow a user to greatly reduce
     the time required to develop complete moldbase assemblies. Faster
     change operations will also be facilitated through associative
     component definition capabilities. Mold design courseware that
     takes the user through the I-DEAS toolset is bundled with the
     I-DEAS VGX Moldbase package and helps users become proficient in
     molded part creation, core/cavity development, and moldbase
     assemblynge of topical information with
overviews, deta --
and the many online tutorials provide training for new and experienced
users on key I-DEAS processes and functions.

About SDRC

     SDRC (Structural Dynamics Reearly in the design process, enabling them to
reand Asia/Pacific.

http://www.sdrc.com

    AS
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