SolidWorks to arrive on Mac platform as native software [U]
updated 03:50 pm EST, Wed February 17, 2010
Company also working on cloud-based utility
(Updated with SolidWorks' clarification) SolidWorks CEO Jeff Ray has announced that the company's 3D CAD software will be coming to the Mac platform as a native application. The executive, speaking at SolidWorks World 2010, revealed a newer version of SolidWorks running on a Mac, reportedly with an interface much different than current versions for Windows, according to Desktop Engineering.
It remains unclear if the demo featured a native Mac app, or if it was a special version hosted on a remote server. The company is also working on a cloud-based variant for cross-platform use.
“We’re working on several concepts. One of the concepts is definitely running SolidWorks as a native Mac app, in addition to the no-install (browser-based) version," said SolidWorks' director of technical marketing Joe Dunne. "So you can run it on a Mac or run on a Mac machine using a browser — take your pick.”
SolidWorks has yet to announce a time-frame for its native Mac application. The cloud-based apps are expected to be ready later this year. [via Architosh]
Update: Despite the excitement surrounding SolidWorks' apparent projects on the Mac side, the company has cautioned against drawing early conclusions regarding a Mac version of the 3D CAD software. Although the company has stepped back from officially confirming a Mac release, the earlier reports from SolidWorks World 2010 have not been directly contradicted.
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Great News ...
This is great news for the Mechanical CAD market. It's very slim on the Mac right now, but it has potential to be huge. SolidWorks is the ideal candidate to start the tidal wave of other high-profile players to come to the Mac (just as it happened on Windows NT). I'm looking forward to Pro-E and CATIA. We already have NX (Unigraphics) :-)