Some controversy is brewing over a recent decision by Dassault Systèmes.
Dassault Systèmes, of course, is the producer of the popular 3D modelling tool SOLIDWORKS. SOLIDWORKS does almost everything, but not quite. The gaps are filled by partner companies that create add-ons with extra functionality. For many SOLIDWORKS users, these extra features are essential.
A LinkedIn post by Peter Brinkhuis, owner of CAD Booster, one of these partner add-ons, said:
”Today, SolidWorks decided to piss off ALL their 500 partners.
Starting next year, we will be required to share our sales numbers (ehm, no, we’re an independent company), our revenue per product (again, no thanks) and pay them at least 10% of our revenue.
In return, you get nothing extra. No app store, nothing. It’s just a one-sided money grab.
If you don’t sign the new agreement, you need to stop selling in January.”
This is pretty terrible news for all the makers of partner products for SOLIDWORKS, as it not only increases the fees they pay to Dassault Systèmes, but also exposes their private company information.
However, they are likely not in a position to do much about it: there’s only one SOLIDWORKS.
Reaction has been largely negative, and many posters remarked about ongoing changes from Dassault Systèmes that gradually squeeze more money from their users. Many posters said they have or are leaving SOLIDWORKS for other platforms that are less aggressive, such as Onshape or Solid Edge.
It’s a dilemma for many in the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem because companies have invested significant amounts in the software through software licenses, training and decades of created 3D content. They aren’t likely to move, and that creates a monopoly-like situation for Dassault Systèmes. It seems they are leveraging that position with the new partner policy.
While this move will certainly generate more revenue for Dassault Systèmes, it adds to an ongoing alienation of customers. For some customers, more moves like this by the company may eventually reach a point where they may consider migrating to another tool.
Via LinkedIn
