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SDRC Announces Metaphase Control Solutions

12 October 1999

SDRC Announces Metaphase Control Solutions; Metaphase Change Management, First of New Control Solutions, Will Offer Capabilities to Enable Optimization of Intellectual Capital

    CINCINNATI--Oct. 12, 1999--SDRC , a leading global supplier of enterprise product development solutions and developer of I-DEAS(R) and Metaphase(R) Enterprise(TM) software, today announced the Metaphase(R) Control suite of out-of-the-box product data management (PDM) solutions. One of the key process initiatives of the Metaphase "Four C's" of e-PDM methodology, Metaphase Control Solutions provides the information management infrastructure for Metaphase e-PDM. Metaphase Change Management, scheduled for release in Q4 1999, is the first of the new control capabilities -- all positioned to enable companies to optimize investments in their intellectual capital.
    "These upgraded change management capabilities give Metaphase a foundation for a wide range of change-enabled applications," commented Wayne Collier, president Engineering, Manufacturing and Design, D.H. Brown Associates, Inc. "The new release incorporates the well-known techniques formalized in the CM II methodology, and it also combines these with a forward-looking treatment of dynamic, structure-oriented change, anticipating change management of multiple, distinct product representations. That approach will help SDRC step up its pace of new application introduction. It's a big step forward in maturity and functional richness both for Metaphase and the industry as a whole."
    Metaphase Change Management allows companies to propose product changes, and to review and approve change requests. It allows customers to identify and understand the impact of changes on product requirements, design, cost, scheduling, and quality; and to authorize modifications to product structures and definition information when changes occur. By managing products early in the design process, change management enables organizations to reuse intellectual capital and evaluate change within a business context.
    "Metaphase offers standards-based change management solutions that meet our needs in the highly regulated medical device industry," said William Cortez, senior project manager, Baxter International's Cardiovascular Group. "Metaphase supports our Enterprise CMII processes and newly designed web-based virtual Change Review Boards (vCRBs). vCRBs allow geographically dispersed teams to perform change management functions over the web at any time without the traditional face-to-face CRB meeting. Our monthly metrics, indicating the increased visibility and efficiency gains through our change management process, are really starting to make a difference."
    Metaphase Change Management has been guided by the Metaphase Product Definition Board (PDB) process. The PDB includes members from Adtranz, AT&T Wireless, Baxter Cardiovascular Group, Boeing, DASA, Ford Motor Company, Northrop Grumman, and Hollandse Signaal. Through close cooperation with these industry leaders, SDRC has developed the Metaphase Change Management solution to meet the needs of multiple industries, and of enterprises with varying sizes and differing change management needs.

    About Metaphase

    Metaphase offers a Web-centric information infrastructure that harnesses its customers' intellectual capital to drive product innovation and manage the complete product life cycle. Metaphase's Four C's of e-PDM deliver sustainable competitive advantage to customers by supporting their strategic business initiatives. Flexible and scalable, Metaphase solutions are quickly implemented in companies of all sizes for immediate return in today's e-business marketplace.

    About SDRC

    SDRC (Structural Dynamics Research Corporation) is one of the world's leading providers of enterprise product development solutions with its suite of mechanical design automation software and product data management software. The Company's products, coupled with engineering and consulting services, help manufacturers optimize product development early in the design process, enabling them to reduce cost and cycle time while significantly improving quality and time to market. SDRC provides the award-winning I-DEAS(R) product suite of integrated CAD/CAM/CAE software, and the market-leading PDM software, Metaphase(R) Enterprise(TM), which is developed, marketed and supported by SDRC's Metaphase Technology Division. SDRC employs more than 2,500 people worldwide, with 77 offices in 18 countries throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific.

    http://www.metaphasetech.com
    http://www.sdrc.com/

    Note to Editors: SDRC, Metaphase and I-DEAS are registered trademarks, and Metaphase Enterprise is a trademark of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks belong to their respective holders.