ViewLogic Systems Inc, the quoted Marlborough, Massachusetts-based developer of software tools for printed circuit board engineers, has launched PowerView, its next-generation of design automation tools. The new Unix-based range, which incorporates OpenLook and Motif interfaces, is claimed to be more than an upgrade from WorkView, the firm’s flagship family (CI No 1,439), having been re-architectured to support various new standards, including those defined by the CAD Framework Initiative – a body of design automation users and vendors. This new level of openness, ViewLogic claims, for the first time enables engineers to mix and match tools from multiple sources. The workstation versions of PowerView include tools for design entry, simulation and verfication, synthesis and targeting, and layout integration. All PowerView tools run on Sun Microsystems Inc Sparcstations and are data compatible with MS-DOS-based WorkView tools. Versions of PowerView for Hewlett-Packard Co and Digital Equipment Corp Unix workstations are under development. Eventually, the products will run on 64-bit architectures – ViewLogic claims it has already demonstrated its product on the new DEC Alpha architecture. PowerView, shipping in the UK from next month, costs from UKP26,500 to UKP70,000 depending on configuration. ViewLogic, which went public just five months ago, saw new profits more than double during the financial year to December 31 to $2.9m on revenues up 38% at $42m. First quarter 1993 turnover was $12m, and the firm’s current share value is $18, up from $13 at the time of listing. Europe accounted for some $5.5m of sales last year, and this contribution is expected to at least double during the current year. ViewLogic warns against size comparisons with its competitors, Mentor Graphics Corp and Cadence Design Systems Inc, noting that it is not involved in the computer-aided design side of the business as they are; the company maintains that it is this focus on engineering software that has been key to its success. ViewLogic’s president, Alain Hanover, says his firm preaches co-existence, not confrontation with its competitors, explaining that ViewLogic actually has value to add to competitors’ systems. The company, which claims 28% of the worldwide computer-aided engineering software market in terms of installations, cites its top three UK customers as being British Telecommunications Plc, British Aerospace Plc and GEC Plessey Telecommunications Ltd.
