Getting Connected.

One year ago at Daratech's CAD/CAM/CAE Summit, Daratech CEO Charles Foundyller fingered the basic problem facing industry as it tries to integrate design, engineering, and manufacturing on the Internet: "We see that the Web is creating huge opportunities for productivity enhancements and collaboration," he said. "But, there is a major disconnect between what users are expecting and what suppliers are able to deliver." (See Viewpoint, June 2000, pg. 25.)

Unfortunately, this gap doesn't appear to have narrowed during the past year. In fact, as CAD/CAM/CAE vendors invest more to develop Web-based collaboration capabilities, they seem to be satisfying users less. At least that's the conclusion we reached from our recent online survey, in which we asked: "Do you believe your CAD vendor has reduced efforts to improve your CAD software in favor of trying to enable the program for Web-based collaboration? If so, are you in favor or opposed?"

Though anecdotal rather than statistically valid--we received dozens, not hundreds of responses--the results were telling. Nine out of ten respondents were feeling seriously shortchanged. Here's an edited sample of their comments:

* It seems as though vendors spend most of their time on Internet-related additions. But Internet collaboration is low on the priority list. Most people want and need improvements to the core system. Improved speed, greater flexibility, and improved functionality are what affect the day-to-day bottom line.

* Vendors are placing too ...