MSC.Software Ships MSC.Nastran 2001; More Powerful Version Already Delivering a Major Productivity Boost to Customers

    COSTA MESA, Calif.--May 17, 2001--MSC.Software Corporation , an information technology software and services provider, today announced the general availability of MSC.Nastran 2001. A core technology component of The MSC.visualNastran Enterprise family, MSC.Nastran has long been recognized as the standard for simulation in many industries including the aerospace and automotive markets. The latest shipment completes formal delivery of more than 32 customer development projects as well as a host of eagerly awaited upgrades.
    Customer enhancements will impact many industries and are delivered in all areas of the product. MSC.Software developers working with BMW engineers have been able to reduce the time needed for some design processes by a factor of between five and seven. VW engineers used the new spot weld capabilities to realize a 30 percent savings in their design process time. Many other companies including Ford, Audi, and the world's leading aircraft manufacturers have driven productivity and other enhancements. For instance, the ability of MSC.Nastran 2001 to reduce the computing resources required by simulation jobs enables both small and large customers alike to work on larger and more detailed projects that ultimately drive product innovation.
    "I am proud of the positive impact that MSC.Software has on our customers productivity," said Frank Perna, chairman and chief executive officer of MSC.Software. "We are focused on delivering customer value where it counts most, our customer's bottom line. I am delighted by the public recognition we have received from companies including BMW, VW and Audi which are able today to point to the substantial ongoing savings our technology delivers."
    For more information on MSC.Nastran 2001 please visit www.mscnastran.com.

    About MSC.Software Corporation

    MSC.Software is the established information technology software and services provider helping companies worldwide develop better products faster. MSC.Software's software and services are used to enhance and automate the product design and manufacturing process. The ability to model and test software prototypes has cost effectively enabled manufacturers to design and build everything from sophisticated aircraft and automobiles to electronic products. Simulating product performance reduces development costs, time to market and warranty costs, positively impacting customer profitability. MSC.Software is capitalizing on the advantages of the Linux operating system for high performance computing, and the Web in all of its forms. For additional information about MSC.visualNastran, our ASP, or Linux initiative, visit us at, www.engineering-e.com or www.mscsoftware.com.