By preserving the native intelligence that is built into data created in the design process, Vis View retains the power to modify vector images, which is lost in paper documents or simple bitmap images.

A key advantage of Vis View is its tight integration with all types of product data, displayed in the appropriate product structure and with the appropriate visual representation. Vis View enables users to easily interact with digital product data and to view the latest drawings, 3D models and documents in a single visual environment.

In addition, Vis View can be linked to product databases, which means users can view product structures in context with the visual model. Vis View can display both the CAD assembly and the geometry, or visual representation, of the model. The CAD assembly appears in one window, and the corresponding geometry appears in the viewing window. The high-performance rendering architecture of Vis View allows users to view and interact with a single component or a large, production-quality digital product.

Vis View's graphical user interface adapts to all development environments, presenting a common interface on both personal computers and powerful workstations. Users can navigate to specific product information by clicking on a drawing, 3D model or product structure, or by entering a part number. Data can also be located by submitting a query. The object-oriented, modular architecture of Vis View allows companies to tailor the user interface and product structure to fit their business needs.

Two levels of Vis View functionality are available. Vis View Standard is the base solution for viewing 2D drawings and 3D models created in a variety of CAD systems. Vis View Professional adds advanced measurement and analysis capabilities to Vis View Standard. Vis View functionality can also be extended through a variety of optional, add-on modules.

Vis View Standard includes the following features:

* Advanced 2D viewing - easy to use 2D viewing of raster and vector formatted drawings, as well as documents and images; rotate, scale, pan, zoom and save session files.

* 2D measurement - perform measurements on 2D drawings, calibrate measurements to determine dimensions and more.

* 2D annotation - mark up and annotate 2D drawings, documents and images with numerous 2D annotation tools including drawing, text, standard and user-defined symbols.

* 3D data support - includes file reads for VRML 1.0 and STL files. Optional seamless CAD interfaces for I-DEAS Master Series, Pro/ENGINEER, CATIA, CADDS and Unigraphics. Separate neutral format translators for IGES, STEP and AutoCAD DXF.

Vis View Professional includes all Vis View Standard features, plus:

* Advanced 3D viewing: interact with very large 3D product databases to easily interrogate product models. High-performance viewing options allow for fast review of large models.

* 3D hierarchy display: import and view actual product hierarchy from a CAD system, including part name, colours and hierarchy structure.

* 3D measurement: perform measurements on 3D product data with powerful measurement tools.

* 2D input and output format support - input support for numerous 2D raster, vector and document formats; output support for popular raster and vector formats.

* Edit appearance: change 3D part colours and add transparency in order to 'look inside' a model.

Vis View's functionality can be increased with the following optional, add-on modules:

* Vis View Print: a network print utility that provides intelligent, batch-mode printing of any kind of engineering documentation, regardless of the source application.

* Vis View convert: helps control product data stored in many different (and often incompatible) engineering document formats. Vis View Convert easily translates a wide variety of graphics and text formats into industry standard format and runs on both Unix and PC.

* Vis View docs: enables users to view, annotate and print any text-based data from a single application.

* Vis View search: an enterprise search and indexing server designed to improve access to document-based knowledge in your organisation.

* Vis View configure: allows users to tailor product structure to a specific functional task.

* Vis View PMI view: enables users of Vis View Professional to display product and manufacturing information (PMI) within Vis View.

* Vis Issues Manager: enables users to post issues, including camera snapshots with text, graphics, animations and more, to a Web page for sharing with colleagues.

* Vis Network PDM: provides a single point of access to the product data contained within a PDM system or other product database and displays this information within the easy-to-use visual environment of Vis View.

For more information contact Cobus Oosthuizen, Esteq, 012 991 5570.