As I started to write this article, I took a glance back at what I had written 12 months ago, with the purpose of reviewing what my thoughts were as we entered the year 2000. After reading it, it decided to use that as a basis for what I see happening in 2001.

ASPs that provide analysis, file conversion, and other services did start to pop up with more regularity. Moldflow Corporation opened http://www.plasticszone.com for mold flow simulation; ASPire3D.com, launched http://www.ASpire3D.com for converting 2D drawings into 3D models; and a new company, Translation Technology, Inc. opened http://www.translationtech.com, featuring Acc-U-Trans, for converting featured based models between Pro/E and CATIA. I think it's safe to say that in 2001 we will see more exciting ASPs.

Two age-old problems, converting 2D drawings to solid models and feature-based model translation, will continue to loosen their grip around the necks of the thousands of CAD users they have been choking for years. Two ASPs I mentioned before, 2Dto3DCAD.com and Acc-U-Trans made tremendous strides in 2000 and they are promising more robust solutions in the New Year. They will be joined by other companies such as MCS (Snap2-3D), and Proficiency (a feature-based translator due in mid-2001), each of which has its own exciting technology.

Joe Greco