EDS has announced that the NASA jet propulsion laboratory (JPL) has standardised on product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services from EDS PLM Solutions. JPL will implement both Unigraphics NX and I-deas, the two premier computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE) software products from EDS to create an integrated solution for its total product engineering requirements. JPL also uses EDS' Teamcenter suite of integrated PLM solutions for knowledge management, data distribution, product visualisation, enterprise collaboration and project management.

JPL will use Unigraphics NX and I-deas to consolidate the number of CAD/CAM/CAE systems used at the Pasadena, California division. JPL had various systems in its product development environment and needed to standardise on a single solution provider that could meet its complex design and manufacturing requirements. The EDS solutions were selected based on large assembly performance, ease-of-use and interoperability. Additionally, many JPL suppliers use Unigraphics NX and I-deas, promising a significantly enhanced environment for collaboration.

JPL, managed by the California Institute of Technology, is NASA's lead centre for robotic exploration of the solar system. Primary products include space exploration satellites and telescopes for observing distant galaxies.

For more information contact EDS Africa, 011 239 0423.