Design start up - software requirments
Design start up - software requirments
(OP)
I currently have the possibility to independently contract for a former employer doing machinery design and documentation work. I'm verbally guaranteed 6 months but I need to determine my future market. Since documentation and 'clean up' work would be a foot into the door for new clients, I'm concerned that after investing $12,000+ into Unigraphics software I would be limiting my market to only UG users.
My questions are: 1) Is it normal for small design firms to purchase multiple CAD software to accommodate clients? 2) Is there a list of companies that currently have UG seats in the Northeast (or entire USA)?
Any comments or suggestions appreciated!!
My questions are: 1) Is it normal for small design firms to purchase multiple CAD software to accommodate clients? 2) Is there a list of companies that currently have UG seats in the Northeast (or entire USA)?
Any comments or suggestions appreciated!!





RE: Design start up - software requirments
version of the same CAD program - so small companies
are heavily penalized.
What other CADs are there? Which ones can be converted --
and have conversion SW -- to and from UG?
Can you find other companies who own these systems and are
willing -- for a fee - to convert files?
<nbucska@pcperipherals DOT com> subj: eng-tips
RE: Design start up - software requirments
2) Anyone who is in GM's orbit, I should think.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Design start up - software requirments
Make a counter proposal: have your company "rent" or "loan" the UG to you for the duration of the contract. In the meantime investigate some of the less expensive mass-market CAD packages (SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, Alibre) with which to grow your business. Keeping your expenses down to an absolute minimum will allow you to get through the dry spells longer than if you have to pay off that $12K UG debt.
TygerDawg
RE: Design start up - software requirments
If you HAVE to have UG then again Tyger's suggestion of a "loaner" copy from the company might be the answer.
I find that each customer wants stuff done in their own CAD program. In the end it's always better to have multiple software packages (if you can afford them and have the time to learn them all)
Sean Dotson, PE
www.mCADForums.com
CAD Professionals & Consultants Discussion
RE: Design start up - software requirments
There is an ethical issue involved with software licenses.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com
RE: Design start up - software requirments
Sean Dotson, PE
www.mCADForums.com
CAD Professionals & Consultants Discussion
RE: Design start up - software requirments
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Design start up - software requirments
Sean Dotson, PE
www.mCADForums.com
CAD Professionals & Consultants Discussion
RE: Design start up - software requirments
For example most Microsoft products (Windows is an exception) allow installation on one primary computer plus one laptop or home computer provided it is one person who is the primary user.
However Visual Basic.Net is sold per developer. That is you can install as many copies as you want but only one developer can use it. This applies if you install it on only one machine and want two different people to be able to use it. You need two licenses.
RTFM
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com
RE: Design start up - software requirments
Sean Dotson, PE
www.mCADForums.com
CAD Professionals & Consultants Discussion
RE: Design start up - software requirments
Look at Solid edge it is also from UGS and is very comptable. Also there are cheaper version of I-deas that could be comptable enough (artisan package).
ProEpro
www.whitelightdesign.com
Pro/E FAQ www.whitelightdesign.com/servicestips.htm
RE: Design start up - software requirments
This will give you the ability to have several CAD packages on your workstation but the only one(s) that can be started up will be those with an active license. A web search for "CAD hire" or similar should get you some contacts.
This may solve your problem of having to use other systems without purchasing outright a seat for each one.
I have a seat for SW but know that if I need to use a specific system then the option is there.
With regard to other UG seats in your region you could try asking your regional UG VAR for a list.
Regards
Colin Brown
SucomE Design and Technology