Is Alibre file format "open"?
I read something from Greg (CEO) about how the CAD industry suffers because the file formats are encryprted and closed.
Is the alibre file format published?
I think the alibre step format might be available for all to see?
What I mean is, is the way Alibre interfaces with ACIS published so that it is a simple task for another cad system to be written to open the Alibre files and drawings?
Most CAD companies keep this infomation to themselves, and even make it deliberately difficult.
If the Alibre file format is open, and the use of ADX is widespread then perhaps other cad systems will be pressured to write import routines that allow them to open alibre files including the creating history and links to drawings etc (all that is in the Alibre step).
So is that good or bad for Alibre?
Good I think. I don't think Alibre has much to loose. More small places can use Alibre and exchange info with the other systems.
Would there be an incentive for other cad vendors to make that import reversible?
I think not because then its easier to switch from the expensive system to the lower cost Alibre - and we see already that they try to retain their customers by locking them in!
I read something from Greg (CEO) about how the CAD industry suffers because the file formats are encryprted and closed.
Is the alibre file format published?
I think the alibre step format might be available for all to see?
What I mean is, is the way Alibre interfaces with ACIS published so that it is a simple task for another cad system to be written to open the Alibre files and drawings?
Most CAD companies keep this infomation to themselves, and even make it deliberately difficult.
If the Alibre file format is open, and the use of ADX is widespread then perhaps other cad systems will be pressured to write import routines that allow them to open alibre files including the creating history and links to drawings etc (all that is in the Alibre step).
So is that good or bad for Alibre?
Good I think. I don't think Alibre has much to loose. More small places can use Alibre and exchange info with the other systems.
Would there be an incentive for other cad vendors to make that import reversible?
I think not because then its easier to switch from the expensive system to the lower cost Alibre - and we see already that they try to retain their customers by locking them in!