Autodesk Streamlines Design Data

Streamline will integrate with Autodesk's Inventor, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Mechanical, and Mechanical Desktop. In the future, Autodesk may allow integration of data from other CAD systems, such as SolidWorks and PTC's Pro/Engineer. Initially, Autodesk will host Streamline on its servers, but has future plans for allowing customers to install it on their corporate networks.

The Streamline service incorporates RealityWave's VizStream technology for streaming 3D data, and eRoom Technologies' digital workspace technology for joining extended enterprises. It works in a complementary role with Autodesk's RedSpark spinoff that provides online tools for facilitating direct materials sourcing and integrating suppliers into the product development process.

The cost for Streamline has yet to be finalized, but according to Autodesk, will be in the $50 to $80 per user, per month range. (Autodesk; www.autodesk.com/streamline) -Jeffrey Rowe