Does Dassault Own SolidWorks?

Does Dassault Own SolidWorks?

When it comes to the world of 3D modeling software, SolidWorks is undoubtedly one of the most popular and widely used applications. However, there seems to be some confusion surrounding its ownership. In this article, we will explore the relationship between Dassault Systèmes and SolidWorks to shed some light on this matter.

The History of SolidWorks

SolidWorks was first introduced in 1995 by a team of MIT graduates led by Jon Hirschtick. The software quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and powerful features, making it a favorite among engineers and designers.

At that time, SolidWorks was an independent company. However, in 1997, it caught the attention of Dassault Systèmes, a French software company specializing in 3D design and simulation tools. Seeing the potential in SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes acquired the company in a deal worth $310 million.

The Relationship Between Dassault Systèmes and SolidWorks

Following the acquisition, Dassault Systèmes made sure to keep SolidWorks as a separate brand within its portfolio. This decision was driven by the desire to maintain the unique identity and loyal customer base that SolidWorks had built over the years.

While Dassault Systèmes owns SolidWorks, it operates as an independent business unit with its own dedicated team of developers, support staff, and sales force. This allows for focused development efforts on enhancing and improving SolidWorks as a standalone product.

The Benefits of Being Part of Dassault Systèmes

Being under the umbrella of a larger corporation like Dassault Systèmes has its advantages for SolidWorks and its users. The acquisition has brought in substantial resources, allowing for increased research and development capabilities.

Moreover, the integration of SolidWorks into the Dassault Systèmes ecosystem has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and interoperability with other software in their portfolio. This has resulted in enhanced workflows and seamless data exchange between different design and simulation tools.

The Future of SolidWorks

Since the acquisition, SolidWorks has continued to thrive and innovate. Dassault Systèmes has consistently invested in its development, introducing new features and functionalities with each release.

The latest version of SolidWorks boasts advanced simulation capabilities, improved visualization tools, and enhanced collaboration features. These updates demonstrate Dassault Systèmes’ commitment to keeping SolidWorks at the forefront of the 3D modeling industry.

In Summary

So, does Dassault own SolidWorks? Yes, it does. However, it is important to note that despite being a part of Dassault Systèmes’ portfolio, SolidWorks operates as an independent entity with its own dedicated team. This arrangement allows for focused development efforts while benefiting from the resources and synergies offered by being part of a larger corporation.

  • SolidWorks was acquired by Dassault Systèmes in 1997
  • It operates as a separate brand within Dassault Systèmes’ portfolio
  • The acquisition has brought in more resources for research and development
  • SolidWorks continues to innovate under Dassault Systèmes’ ownership