Cloud Computing for the PLM Industry

Microsoft and Siemens PLM Software have partnered to create the project lifecycle management (PLM) industry’s first cloud computing-based quality management solution.

The project will use the Microsoft Windows Azure platform cloud computer services to run Siemens PLM Software’s Dimensional Planning and Validation (DPV) application.

Microsoft and Siemens PLM Software have partnered to create the project lifecycle management (PLM) industry’s first cloud computing-based quality management solution.

The project will use the Microsoft Windows Azure platform cloud computer services to run Siemens PLM Software’s Dimensional Planning and Validation (DPV) application.

“Using the Windows Azure platform to harness the power of cloud computing provides organizations with the ability to significantly reduce in-house infrastructure and support costs,” said Sanjay Ravi, managing director, Worldwide High Tech & Electronics Industry, Microsoft.

DVP is part of the Tecnomatix software suite of digital manufacturing solutions, and is the industry’s first PLM-based closed loop quality system. It enables the collection, management, analysis and reporting of quality measurement information tied directly to real time production results. Tecnomatix DVP uses Teamcenter software, which is the world’s most widely used PLM system.

Although organizations like remote manufacturing locations or outside suppliers may not require a full PLM resource infrastructure, they can still benefit from this technology. Tecnomatix DVP and Teamcenter will run in the cloud with the Windows Azure cloud services operations system, and utilize the SQL Azure relational database.

This will allow them to test and demonstrate scenarios, in which the power, flexibility and value of this PLM-based quality management solution could be securely delivered without the need for a full in-house enterprise IT system. Once validated, the result will expand the availability of world-class PLM quality solutions and enhance deployment options through an on-demand environment.

In addition to the DVP-Azure project, Siemens and Microsoft are working on other cloud computing projects including a way for OEMs and suppliers to share 3D product information using the standard JT data format and PLM XML data format.

“We believe the power and potential of cloud computing, properly leveraged and deployed, can have a significant impact on the PLM industry,” said Chuck Grindstaff, executive vice president of products and chief technology officer for Siemens PLM Software.

For more information visit www.siemens.com/plm.