Siemens' acquisition of UGS creates global fusion between automation design technology and product lifecycle management software.UGS, a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, has announced Version 20 of Solid Edge software, its industry-leading, 3D computer-aided design (CAD) solution. With hundreds of improvements, the new version delivers key functionality for plant equipment design as well as increases engineering productivity and design collaboration across the entire global value chain.

Solid Edge V20 is the latest release of UGS' hybrid 2D/3D CAD software and the premier design-centric solution in the mid-range CAD industry.

Solid Edge is the CAD component of the UGS Velocity Series portfolio targeted specifically at the needs of mid-sized manufacturing companies.

Solid Edge V20 delivers substantial increases in engineering productivity through many industry firsts,' says Dan Staples, director, Solid Edge Business.

'For example, V20's 2D goal seeking technology breaks new ground in the CAD industry, while the addition of zones to our assembly modeler is a first for mid-range CAD.

This opens up many new possibilities for design optimisation in plant equipment design and shop floor layout'.

With the new tools in Solid Edge V20, specifically the AutoCAD translation, we are able to communicate up and down our supply chain efficiently.

Solid Edge V20 will be available in English this quarter and in nine additional languages shortly thereafter.

Consistent with its 'native Microsoft' strategy, Solid Edge V20 now supports Windows Vista, Internet Explorer 7 and Direct 3D graphics.