September 18, 2000--The ASP model is coming into play in the CAD world. Imagecom Inc. (Arlington, TX) has introduced Flexidesign software on their ASPire3D.com portal. Flexidesign converts 2D CAD drawings into parametric, feature-based 3D models. Flexidesign, say its creators, is capable of automatically recognizing and creating manufacturable models.

Imagecom plans to introduce other capabilities on their portal and to even host other products, but the company says they introduced 3D conversions first because it's a capability well suited to the ASP model. It's their contention that users are not wiliing to shift completely to 3D, but they'd rather gradually update their drawings.

The company's vice president of development, Dr. Raj Ganesan, says the company has developed and ASP portal using top-of-the-line, off-the-shelf components that is practical for users working within the restrictions of low bandwidth. Ganesan says their site can handle thousands of conversions a day.

In addition to adding new capabilities and hosting other products on their site, Imagecom president, Dr. Venkat Devarajan says the company is also in the process of making several cross-linking marketing arrangements with other web sites. (www.imagecomcorp.com, www.aspire3d.com)

All those millions of 2D CAD users - they drive the 3D vendors nuts. Potentially, they represent a huge market. In reality they're primarily a stable bunch of drafters who have no need to go to 3D until their boss tells them to. But MCAD, now there's a different thing. If any 2D users will move to 3D it's MCAD users and so many of them are working with small models that are easy to convert. We get the idea of giving users the option of converting 3D gradually and at the same time introducing them to the Flexidesign product and we are seeing the ASP model get significant use in the CAD world. For example, it's being used quite a bit in project management and colloborative design. We are sure, however, that if people really need to work in 3D. at all, they're going to want to have access to a 3D modeler on their computer. this may be a good selling tool for Imagecom. We're not so sure that the ASP model in itself is the answer for this company.