PTC Takes CAD to the Cloud with Creo+

PTC announced the release of Creo+, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) computer-aided design (CAD) solution, at its Liveworx conference in Boston. The release of Creo+ coincides with PTC’s introduction of the tenth version of Creo CAD. Creo+ combines Creo 10 with new cloud-based tools that were created to enhance design collaboration and simplify CAD administration.

The prime goal was to move from a subscription model where the software was installed on users’ computers to a system that can be accessed via the cloud. “We wanted to offer our software as a service. That was our goal with Creo+. With a cloud version, we can engineer changes into it,” Jim Heppelmann, CEO of PTC told Design News. “We prefer the SaaS model. It still needs to be integrated, so we still need partners and integrators, but there will be a lot less of a focus on installation and upgrades.” He noted that users who prefer to have Creo residing on their systems can continue to do so.

Creo+ includes real-time design collaboration tools that enable multiple team members to review, explore, and edit product designs. Creo+ also includes the PTC Control Center application, powered by the PTC Atlas SaaS platform, which enables simple deployment and management of software licenses for cloud-based tools.

With Creo+, users have:

Increased Capabilities and Speed to Design

Company leaders noted that 100% of Creo data is upward compatible with Creo +. “In five minutes, you’re up and running. And you’ll always be using the latest version,” Brian Thompson, divisional VP, and GM of the CAD segment at PTC, told Design News. “Key enhancements include a surfacing tool. It can capture all of the surfaces in a general profile tolerance. There are also improvements in some of the complex pattern capabilities.”

Thompson also noted that Creo 10 expands the ergonomics capability. “That’s important for the design of any product that has a cab. You can see what the driver can see through a review mirror or other reflective surfaces.”

Thompson explained that Creo+ will enable customers to design faster, easier, and more collaboratively. “We’ve combined the market-leading design capabilities of Creo with productivity benefits that can only be achieved through the power of the cloud,” said Thompson. “Creo+ users can now collaborate on the same designs simultaneously with internal and external partners. That helps accelerate the development process and reduce redesign.”