What might drive CAD in the future? SolidWorks founder & co-developer weighs in

TORONTO – Jon Hirschtick, founder and co-developer of SolidWorks solid modeling software, has a strong feeling about what is influencing the future of CAD applications.

Just like motion control technologies are pushing power transmission system developers into new territory, Hirschtick believes that four technologies will change the way CAD programs will perform down the road: video game graphics, hosted computing, open source software and touch interfaces.

Speaking at the Ontario SolidWorks & COSMOS User Group meeting this month, Hirschtick noted that the four technologies already exist in advanced states. "Hosted computing includes online banking and email, where the applications run on remote servers, not local desktop PCs." He explained that hosted computing takes care of the time-consuming tasks of software administration, installation and upgrades.

Open source software such as Linux, Apache, MySQL and Firefox is here now, and has been developed by very professional programmers in a 100% transparent development process, said Hirschtick (second from right above, with Ted Lee at left, Javelin Technologies, Aldo Balatti, Evolve Design Solutions – Canada's first SolidWorks license holder, and Richard Doyle, SWUGN director). He noted that one cell phone developer has posted its 3D drawings so that partners can create new features and products.

Features out of the video gaming industry that Hirschtick likes for CAD implementation include high quality 3D graphics (CAD systems used to be the innovators) and performance, physical simulation and multi-user collaboration. Touch interfaces such as the Apple iPhone, Nintendo Wii and vehicle GPS products are also leading the way, said Hirschtick.

Mike Edwards, Editor, DPN Magazine medwards@clbmedia.ca
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