SolidWorks:HEARD! - Episode 466 - SWW14: General Sessions

SWW14: General Sessions:

This podcast covers the general sessions from SolidWorks World Conference 2014 from this past week.  The general sessions tend to be the major outlets for SolidWorks to announce to the world what they have been up to.  Topics covered:

General Session Day 1:
- 5600 Attendees
- 2.3M+ users world wide (largest engineering community ~Bertrand Sicot 2014)
- PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT: SolidWorks Inspection 
- PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT: SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual (April 2nd, $250/mo)
- 3DVIA - HomeByMe (Free home layout - selling to home improvement centers)
- 3DVIA - 3DByMe (similar concept to HBM)
- PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT: SolidWorks Industrial Conceptual
- SPEAKER: Hugh Herr - MIT Lab Biometronics Director (Awesome!)

General Session Day 2:
- EatArt (Maker of the Spider and Alpha Leg)
- SolidWorks 2014 Beta Winners
- User Group Awards (Congrats to the San Diego User Group on their 200th meeting)
- MarkForge3D and Gian Paolo Bassi - VP or DS R&D
- Bertrand and bobsledding in Utah
- SPEAKER: Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project 
- Special Event at the Embarcadero

General Session Day 3:
- Model Mania Winners (15th year... wow!)
- New Certifications (100, 000 user certifications)
- Eduction - Mt. San Antonio Community College use of CSWA and now CSWP
- Top 10 List (Delivered and this year's request list)
- SolidWorks 2015 Revealed (blog post with more details)

SolidWorks World 2014 was another huge event, registering more than 6800 users by the end of the conference.  I guess it is fair to say this is not the same as my first SolidWorks World back in 2002.  This year's speakers were not in the same league as previous years but I have to say, Hugh Herr on day one had many of us in jaw-dropping amazement with his prosthetic legs that he designed.... and used on both of his legs.  Amazing and inspiring.

Day two was full of customer interviews and contest winners from Beta 2014 and another great speaker in Bo-Dyn, the bobsled project behind the US Olympic team who race the Night Train 2.  Bo-Dyn was started by a Nascar racer and 1984 winner of the Daytona 500 Geoff Bodine.  His pit engineer, Bob Cuneo is the brains behind the designs and has produced some of the best sleds the sport has ever seen.

Day three, also known as the "REVEAL" started off with this year's Model Mania winners and certification and then finished off with a Batman parody called  "CADMAN".  This skit allows the Product Marketing team to show off the long list of early reveal features coming in next year's version of SolidWorks 2015. ~Lou

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SolidWorks:HEARD! - Episode 428 - SWW13 In Review

SWW In Review:

This podcast covers the highlights of this year's SolidWorks World Conference held in Orlando this past week.  After the general sessions, breakouts, partner booths and events, I am exhausted!  Topics covered:

- General Sessions

- Announcements and Speakers

- Breaksouts and Venue

- Partners and Events

- Overall vibe and closing thoughts

This year's SolidWorks World was the 4th I have been to in Orlando and my 12th overall and I am sorry to say it might have been my least favorite.  Not because it was uneventful or that the breakouts were not good...quite the opposite actually.  The user community brought their game, along with the resellers and SolidWorks corporate, making breakout sessions some of the best I have seen.

The disappointment, for me personally, was in the speakers.  Since 2002, my first SWW, they have always had the best speakers from Leonard Nimoy (Spok) to Steve Wozniak,  Richard Branson to James Cameron and one of my favorite, Jim Lovell and Gene Krantz (amazing).  These inspired us all, giving us insight into the greats in engineering and technology.

Despite the lack of major headliners, they did bring in some amazing research professors, the engineering team behind Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking free fall and the engineering team at Festo that made a mechanical bird fly around the auditorium. So uneventful?  No!  just less amazing than previous years past. ~Lou

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SolidWorks:HEARD! - Episode 427 - SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual First Look

SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual First Look:

This podcast covers the first look at the first new product announced at SolidWorks World 2013 in Orlando, Florida.  Topics covered:

- The launch of SW Mechanical Conceptual

- Product focus and capabilities

- Simulation options

- Communication options

- Workflow used with SolidWorks on the desktop 

- What "always connected" means

- Availability and thoughts

Well today was the day we have been waiting for since SolidWorks World 2010 in Anaheim, CA.  Fielder Hiss took the stage and announced a new 3DExperience platform (no really that is the name of the platform) that is "always connected and will bring conceptual design and collaboration to the SolidWorks offering.

Unlike the last announcement, this product looks similar, like most of the DS products do, in the UI but had a much larger list of functions focused on both history and direct modeling techniques.  The feature list included function like sketching, dynamic movement, simulation, version control, chat, communities, and the list went on.

I wanted to simply talk about what we know and what was shown since we have no more answers than we did the last time.  There are dates but those can be pushed however I think due to the scope of the list of features, this product might have merit once users can get in and start modeling. ~Lou

Check out the SolidWorks:Heard! Blog and follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD!

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SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 425 - SWW13 Coverage

SWW13 Coverage:

This podcast covers the various places you will be able to get the sights, sounds and news that breaks at this year's SolidWorks World conference in Orlando, Florida.  Topics covered:

- SolidWorks: HEARD! coverage options

- Other blogs covering the event

- Following on Twitter (#sww13)

- Photo stream on Flickr (group: sww13)

- Video posted to SolidWorks' YouTube Channel

- A quick peek at the top 10 list

Well SolidWorks World conference is just about 2 weeks away and this will be the 8th year that I have covered the event live in some way and personally my 12th time at this event.  I have been very fortunate to have been able to attend this show, thanks to DDi, but I have also an interesting perspective since much has changed with the conference in the past dozen years.

There is somewhat of a trend since about 2007 that there is a few new products announced over the general sessions.  This usually yields a few details of the next release of SolidWorks on Monday and a more comprehensive reveal on Wednesday.  They also tend to have fantastic speakers and special guests so it will be interesting who will grace the stage at this year's event.

I also will be trying to get a tip stream out as well as coverage of various breakouts the event has to offer.  If you are unable to attend this event, I would like you to head over to the user agenda and look up breakouts you would like cover and let me know which ones to cover.  I am only one, but I will do my best to get the most requested session out to you.  ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD!

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SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 376 - SWW12 Aftermath

SWW12 Aftermath:

This podcast covers the release of the February Support Montly FAQ as well as the aftermath reactions from SolidWorks World 2012 around the 2013 backwards compatibility and SolidWorks V6 platform (or lack there of) around the web.  Topics covered:

- SW Monthly Support FAQ

- 2013 to 2012 SP5 Backwards compatibility (sort of but not)

- 2012 SP5 access to visual and configuration data (cool)

- No translation or re-export (nice)

- No editing in 2012 |-(

- RickyJordan, RockSolidPerspective, Rob Rodriguez thoughts...

- SolidWorks V6 platform

- Reactions from Blogs

- DezignStuff - Matt Lombard

- Axis Blog - Rob Rodriguez

- CAD Insider - Roopinder Tara

- World CAD Access - Ralph Grabowski (in comments)

Although this year's SolidWorks World was a good time, it is interesting what pops up in the news a week or so after.  Since the Press group gets these exclusive sessions where questions can be asked, sometimes that results in some good nuggets that are withheld from the main stage.

This year it is mainly around the pseudo backwards compatibility that was show for SolidWorks 2013 and the lack of news about the future platform of SolidWorks illusively named SolidWorks V6.  Whether it is a platform for many "SolidWorks" branded products or the 3D modeler we saw on stage in 2010 in Anaheim, the public heard one sentenance by Bertrand Sicot in the first general session, "...we will debut the new platform next year...".

One thing is clear, the desktop version of SolidWorks as we know it today will remain the same as a parasolid-centric desktop tool and the V6 platform will be cloud-based and on the V6 kernel.  Although the press did get some further clarity on these topics, the details stop there and we will have to sit tight to hear details when SolidWorks is ready to talk. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD! 

SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 375 - February Tech News & SWW12 Rundown

February Tech News & SWW12 Rundown:

This podcast covers the SolidWorks and CAD-related tech news that broke since mid-January covering the SolidWorks Blog, various tech alerts and a recap of SolidWorks World 2012. Topics covered:

SolidWorks Blog:

- Dassault Systemes acquires Netvibes

- Many posts on SolidWorks World 2012 

Tech Alerts:

- 3DVIA Composer V62012x is available for download

- SolidWorks 2012 SP2 is available for download

- Toolbox 2012 Upgrade Instructions when managed in EPDM (S-058099)

- SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2012 SP2 is available for download

- Important fix (part of SW2012 SP2) for missing entities in part/assembly FeatureManager (S-058181)

SolidWorks World 2012 Roundup:

- Day 1:

- Kickoff by Bertrand Sicot

- Speaker:  Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs -  "Engineers are the space between white and blue color"

- Bernard Charles interviews Maia Hoeberechts from Project Neptune, digital underwater observatory

-  Speaker: Tony Fadell, CEO of nest - "We don't crowd source the start of a design, we use it to fine tune. In design we trust our GUT!"

- CSWP Event at the Midway

- Day 2:

- Fielder Hiss announces the CSWP event will now be the CSWE event

- Richard Doyle announces the SWUGN awards

- Speaker: Geoff & Mike Howe, Howe & Howe - "If we shake on a program, it gets done or we die!"

- Fielder announces Beta Contest Winners

- Speaker: Ben Kaufman, CEO of Quirky - "Invention is a reflex, we are born with it!"

- Day 3:

- Fielder Hiss thanks Dell for their Platium Sponsorship

- Mark Schneider announces Model Mania Contest winners

- Fielder talks about the Green Design Contest winner, Russell Donovan

- Marie Planchard talks about the 1.25M EDU seats and the 2.5M experienced students per year

- Marie interviews Bruno Maisonnier, CEO of Aldebaran Robotics, makers of the NAO robot

- Top 10 List

- "Back to the Feature" - Skit to reveal SolidWorks 2013 sneak peek

- Bertrand Sicot announces SWW13 - Swan & Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney Resort, Orlando, Florida January 20-23, 2013

Wow what a week! This year was my 11th SolidWorks World in a row and the great speakers, awesome breakouts and perfect venue made SWW12 a very successful event. This year I found myself struggling to pick breakout sessions since there were so many that I wanted to go on that were at the same time!  This happens a lot but it allows you to leave one that is not going well and still catch another one in process to make up for it.

Overall the week was filled with great speakers, although it is pretty hard to beat last year's keynote by the Apollo 13 guys but I think this was a good runner-up! I thought the topics inspired design and engineering and the events and conference location were one of the best I can remember.  Although only a mention of the elusive "SolidWorks V6" did not take the stage this year, it was commented to be shown in the summer of 2013, per Bertrand Sicot on Day 1.

Since the tech news show and the culmination of SolidWorks World hit on the same weekend, this cast is a bit longer but I wanted to combine the two since they are related.  

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD! 

SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 374 - SolidWorks World App

SolidWorks World App:

This podcast covers the features in the SolidWorks World 2012 app that was launched just last week and some of the interesting features this app provides for attendees of this year's SWW conference. Topics covered:

- SWW2012 App is available on iOS and Andriod

- iOS is a universal app, scaled for the iPad

- Navigating sessions, speakers, floorplans, partner pavilion and more

- Adding sessions to your agenda

- Scanning badges from the QR code tool

- Quick links to Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube

- Dassault Systemes aquires Netvibes and launches a landing page for SWW12

Last year SolidWorks released an iPhone app that was especially built for SWW 2011 giving users the ability to browse sessions and get valuable info about speakers, partners, maps etc of the event.  After 10 years of thumbing through the little conference booklet and trying to determine where I was going next, this app made navigating the conference simple.  Having a lot of detail, especially of the partner pavillion, allowed me to get more out of SWW than previous years.

The issue that many had voiced about the app was the fact it was only on iOS (iPhone) at the time. Considering Android is taking the market by storm, it only makes sense that if SolidWorks is to offer such a great tool that it be available on the lion's share of devices. This year they launched a 2012 version of the app but this time it is available on both iOS and Android and the iOS version is a universal app, giving iPad users full use of the screen real estate.

After navigating around in the app I find that browsing sessions is so easy, especially researching and signing up right from within the app. You can log in with your registration account and see what is is coming up next in your agenda and figure out how to get there.  This makes getting around and gaining the most of the conference much easier. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD! 

SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 373 - SolidWorks World Coverage

SolidWorks World Coverage:

This podcast is a quick overview of the coverage options that will be offered by SolidWorks:HEARD as well as other active community members that typically post a lot of content.  Topics covered:

Live Coverage on SolidWorks:HEARD!:

- Live Blogs (General Sessions)

- SolidWorks:HEARD! Blog 

- Live Stream (when allowed)

- Breakout notes (posted to the blog and Google+)

- Partner Interviews (air on the podcast)

Twitter:

- Official Hashtag #sww12

- Tips from SWW12 #SWWTips

- @solidworksheard | @gol10dr | @solidworkstips

Facebook:

- SolidWorks:HEaRD page

Google+:

- +SolidWorks:HEARD | +Lou Gallo

Other Blogs:

- SolidSmack | @solidsmack

- RickyJordan | @rickyjordan

- RockSolidPerspective 

- SWGeek | @swgeek

- BoxerBlog | @gupta9665

- More at SolidWorks' site

SolidWorks World is a wild ride and it is going to be busting at the seams with coverage and it's all you can eat!  I leave in less than a week and look forward to bringing as much of the show to you as I humanly can!  If you are attending, I hope to run into you!  Talk to you next from SolidWorks World 2012!

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD! 

SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 369 - SolidWorks World Prep

SolidWorks World Prep:

This podcast covers the steps to get prepared for the biggest CAD conference, mega training, and overall engineer geek fest there is!  Still trying to get there or not going at all? Not a problem. Topics covered:

- What SWW really is.

- How to get the most out of attending (plan, plan, plan)

- Resources and ideas to convince the powers that be to send you.

- What SolidWorks:HEARD! is broadcasting from SWW.

- Other resources to get SWW news and tips.

SolidWorks World is just 5 weeks away and the anticipation for those who have the "green light" on attending this years event it building.  In order to truly get the most out of this crammed-pack event with 185+ sessions and not even close to enough time to see them all is planning.  A lot of planning or else you will show up and be overwhelmed and wonder why you stood in the hall for 3 days with your jaw open!

For those who are still fighting the fight to get to this mega training extravaganza, SolidWorks has a great list of resources for you to help convince your management to send you.  Whether it is videos, podcasts or an old fashion letter, educating management that SWW is not a "trade show" but a "build-your-own" training boot camp by users for users.  Getting that "nugget" or awesome tip to help you out in your industry with your tool of choice can be the difference between joe-user and ROCK STAR!

Understanding not everyone can convince, trick, man handle, cagoule and maim their way to SWW12, I will be live blogging all the general session and posting live notes with Google Docs on sessions that I attend.  When I can, I will be streaming video from the floor and trying to interview some partners.  Go sign up for the live-blog and watch Twitter for hash tag #sww12.  I will also be posting notes to the SolidWorks:HEARD! Google+ page as well. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD! 

SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 316 - SWW11 Product Announcements

SWW11 Product Announcements:

This podcast is a summary of the new products that were announced by SolidWorks at SolidWorks World 2011. There were more product announcements in 2011 than any other SWW I can remember. Topics covered:

- SolidWorks CEO says "ALWAYS a Desktop Version!"

- SolidWorks n!Fuze announced early on SolidWorks Blog

- Post3D - Life-like Immersive 3D Collaboration

- SolidWorks Live Buildings - AEC Building Design tool powered by Enovia Online Platform

- SolidWorks n!Fuze iPad app announced (available later this year)

- DraftSight iPad app announced (available later this year)

- What's New (revealed) in SolidWorks 2012

SolidWorks World 2011 was one of the best venues, best speakers, most vast breakouts and by far the most product announcement packed SWW I can remember.  This was my 10th SWW and I can say it was one of the best of all time.  Despite the great training, most people probalby remember SWW from the speakers, collegues and new product annoucements.

SolidWorks World Day 1 typically has a few little tid bits but Day 3 General Session is the day that everyone waits for so they can get a sneak peak of the next version of SolidWorks.  This year SolidWorks announced 3 new products, all of which were not desktop apps but web-powered apps running on Enovia V6 platform.

Unlike "SolidWorks V6" and "SolidWorks PDS" from last year's SWW, SolidWorks n!Fuze, Post3D and Live Buildings are already products that are in beta (n!Fuze & Live Buildings) or released already (Post3D).  I am anxious to do more testing and will follow up with a review of this new era of online CAD products. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD!