It's been a long, long time since I've thought about or commented on the CAD world.

But, I'm back. And guess what, not much has changed. The CAD space is still bent in on itself like a galactic time warp. And people still try to parse earth-shattering meaning from every word Autodesk utters. In short, the "debate" about 3D is still going on (except for those companies taking sales of 3D to the bank…like…uh…ADSK).

So, what to make of what Roopinder Tara reports in this latest ADSK pronouncement? Simple: another legacy feature of the CAD world is its long memories. Someone in ADSK is still upset that Pro/E changed the way products are designed and can't stop themselves from taking a swipe, especially now that PTC is off the death-bed. (If you think ADSK doesn't harbor grudges, wait'll they catch wind of this post and its author.) 

But it couldn't be more misplaced. Through the eyes of our new client, I have seen the next move in 3D, at least for MCAD. (AEC still needs Revit, and badly.) And it's not about easing a CAD operator's interface with constraints. That's just more of the same: focusing on the internals that are so comfortable, so myopic to the CAD aficionados.

The real question about 3D is about leveraging all that 3D design information outside the walls of engineering and product development.

So, it's a pleasure to be back in the CAD world and to see the same white hats and black hats (and I love white Russians) on just about the same heads as in 2002. It's nice to see you all again. And, by the way, Autodesk should be grateful for those Russian guys, who helped make a market space for Autodesk just in time for 2D's demise.

Just like last time I was in this space, we're gonna change the debate. And, just like last time, it's gonna be fun and educational and no-holds-barred.

Bet I won't be getting any Autodesk t-shirts.

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