How safe is SW ?

[ajack1]

I notice on other threads that people claim no “sensitive” work is done outside the USA; this seems to blow that out the water just a little.

Does this have any implications for say defence work, or indeed should it?

http://www.mcadonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=311&Itemid=73

 

[JMirisola]

I don't think so. One guy attempted to steal the source code for one program. While there are probably other cases like this floating around here and there, I'm willing to bet that SW is as safe as any other software program out there.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
CAD Administrator
SW '07 SP1.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2MB RAM, nVidia 2500M

 

[Beggar]

I don't understand your point.

How is this at all related to defense work or national security or anything similar?


--------------------
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[meintsi]

Or even the safety of SW?

Remember...
[navy]"If you don't use your head,[/navy]
[navy]your going to have to use your feet."[/navy]

 

[ctopher]

Sendint sensitive work outside the USA is a different subject than SolidWorks software. Are you asking about other countries stealing SW codes or stealing sensitive design data?

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[israelkk]

If I am not mistaken SW was originally developed/owned by a French company (Dassault Aviation) and not an american company.

 

[Heckler]

No, it was bought by Dassault not developed by Dassault. I'm also not sure why they sold themselves to Dassault. Some say it was to prevent PTC from a hostle takeover.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 5.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

 

[ctopher]

But, being owned by a French company has nothing to do with sensitive design data.
Most of the USA design data (sensitive or not) is designed using CATIA.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[ewh]

I concur with Chris. There should be no problem using foreign developed software. The area of concern should be controlling the data produced with that software. Where would we be if, for security reasons, we could no longer use computers with any foreign made content?

 

[drawoh]

ewh,

China and France are getting interested in Linux at the momment for this very reason. They have full access to the source code, so they can create their own safe distributions. Closed source commercial software bought from damn foreigners could back doors built into it.

Of course, SolidWorks would have to co-operate with any evil plans, but if it is your patriotic duty...

What would you do if you were a programmer for SolidWorks, and North Korea wanted a copy?

JHG

 

[ewh]

Does this mean we have to boycot foreign computer chips?

 

[ewh]

I find it hard to believe that SW is going to phone home and share your data, especially if your network is secure.

 

[ajack1]

I really have no idea how much damage anyone could do if this fell into the wrong hands.

But the fact that someone has the full sourse code and presumably would be willing to sell it to the highest bidder seems a little bit worrying, as does the fact that the FBI are involved.

On the other hand the fact that Solidworks openly admit it happened perhaps means it is not that serious.

 

[looslib]

"Most of the USA design data (sensitive or not) is designed using CATIA."

I find this statement to be very untrue and even bordering on misleading.

1 out of 3 automobile manufactures use CATIA, the other 2 use UGS products.
2 out of 2 jet engine manufactures use UGS products.
1 airframe manufacturer uses both CATIA and UGS products. UGS products used by acquired divisions.

The list could go to prove that MOST are not designed with CATIA!


"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli
Sr IS Technologist
L-3 Communications

 

[ctopher]

Your list is true, except "2 out of 2 jet engine manufactures use UGS products". They use both UGS and CATIA. I have also worked on designs for every engine manufacturer. I have sent them all SolidWorks files, they imported them into CATIA.
My point was, we use CATIA from France for a lot of products here in the USA from commercial/inductrial products to military/space. The software being from France (or any other country) has no affect on designing or shipping products outside the USA.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[smcadman]

I notice on other threads that people claim no “sensitive” work is done outside the USA; this seems to blow that out the water just a little.

I haven't seen these threads, which threads are they?

SW07 SP1.0

Flores

 

[GregLocock]

Quite a funny article really. That's right folks, if you sub-contract work to another country you have to deal with their legal system, not yours.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[Vaporware]

Solidworks source code would ONLY be useful in cloning the functionality of SW. i.e. bootlegging th sofeware unde a different brand name. It has no data security implications because SW is in in charge of data security. Your model files are secured by your network administrator and your server settings.

Have no fear, it's just barnyard variety industrial espionage, not terrorism.

 

[Vaporware]

Corrections,
i.e. bootlegging the software under a different brand name. It has no data security implications because SW is NOT in charge of data security.