MSC.Software Partners With Free Field Technologies to Offer MSC.Actran; Vibro-Acoustic Modeling Software Enhances MSC.Software Vertical Application Portfolio

    SANTA ANA, Calif.--July 3, 2002--MSC.Software Corp. , the leading global provider of simulation software, services and systems, today announced the launch of MSC.Actran, a vibration and acoustic modeling software developed by Free Field Technologies (FFT) of Belgium. MSC.Actran provides advanced simulation modeling for acoustic and vibration analysis in engineering areas like sound radiation prediction, enclosed sound fields analysis, absorption, reflection, diffraction, scattering and transmission modeling.
    "MSC.Software's core software strategy is to provide our customers with the best software tools to help them solve problems, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues are very important in the automotive and aerospace industries," said Frank Perna, chairman and chief executive officer of MSC.Software. "MSC.Actran is an example of MSC.Software broadening our software portfolio and providing vertical applications that can solve very specific engineering problems."
    Among other advanced features, MSC.Actran provides a unique solution for trimmed vehicle body modeling. MSC.Actran can be easily accessed using a dedicated preference for MSC.Patran and may be used together with MSC.Nastran to solve NVH problems.
    "MSC.Software is the ideal channel to bring our technology to the market," says Jean-Louis Migeot, General Manager, FFT. "MSC.Software's unique position in the CAE market and strong presence in the transportation industry will ensure a rapid penetration of MSC.Actran in this market."
    "The partnership between Free Field Technologies and MSC.Software also has a technological side," says Jean-Pierre Coyette, FFT's Chairman and Technical Director. "There are some advanced numerical technologies developed by FFT that are already implemented in MSC.Nastran 2002, and more joint developments and common products are already planned. The companies share the same FEA culture, and synergies are found in many areas."
    For more information on MSC.Actran, please visit http://www.mscsoftware.com/products/.

    About MSC.Software Corporation

    MSC.Software is the leading global provider of simulation software, with related services and systems, that helps companies make money, save time and reduce costs associated with designing and testing manufactured products. MSC.Software works with thousands of companies in hundreds of industries to develop better products faster by utilizing information technology, software, services and systems. MSC.Software employs more than 1,500 people in 22 countries. For additional information about MSC.Software's products and services, please visit www.mscsoftware.com.