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Beth Stackpole

Dassault Pushes 3D Into the Mainstream

3D as a universally-accepted communications tool? That’s been the stated goal of CAD and PLM vendor Dassault Systems and one it’s been hammering away on the last few months.

Along with its usual work providing tools for the high-end engineering sandbox, Dassault has been launching a steady stream of products and forging partnerships to make 3D an accessible and understandable way for the mainstream to communicate, cultivate product ideas as well as trade IP assets. The latest in Dassault’s efforts is 3DVIA, a destination site where companies will be able to create and initiate 3D online experiences to “improve our living spaces and the products we use daily,” explained Dassault CEO Bernard Charles, in a press release.

The first 3DVIA services, which will be made available later this year, will empower both the professional and consumer communities to invent and create objects in 3D, share them and facilitate a host of interactive experiences in the medium. As one of its first forays, Dassault is touting SupplierSource, a professional online community that connects designers and suppliers, helping suppliers generate leads and promote products, while allowing engineers to find new suppliers and streamline the RFQ process.

Dassault also announced several partnerships related to 3DVIA. It’s teamed up with REALVIZ and Allegorithmic which will integrate their respective 3D image-based modeling software and texturing capabilities into the environment to facilitate the creation of lifelike environments and experiences. The company also expanded its partnership with Microsoft to integrate its exact 3D modeling capabilities with Microsoft’s Virtual Earth integrated 3D imagery and mapping services for professionals.

Finally, Dassault also took steps to push its vision of 3D beyond engineering to the marketing world. The company teamed up with the France-based Publicis Groupe advertising and media conglomerate to create 3dswym, a joint venture company that will offer a collaborative Web-based platform that leverages 3D to allow marketers to engage customers in an interactive experience at the earliest stages of the product creation process.