Pre-1998: Boeing deploys SDRC Metaphase in one of the largest enterprise PDM-integrated-to-ERP deployments. SDRC eventually acquires Sherpa PDM, beginning the early consolidation of large PDM providers.
1998: PTC launches its first version of Windchill, a product data management (PDM) toolkit that was branded Collaborative Product Commerce (CPC), a precursor to the company's full-blown, packaged PLM platform. Meanwhile, MatrixOne separates from parent company Adra Systems, striking
out on its own.
1999: AMR Research writes first comprehensive industry report defining product lifecycle management. Agile Software completes an initial public offering. IBM and Dassault Systems introduce their PLM entry, ENOVIA Portfolio.
2000: The former BOM.com, now Arena Solutions, debuts, introducing the first hosted PLM solution. In the years since, many of the leading vendors have followed suit and released on-demand PLM offerings.
2001: Electronic Data Systems repurchases its stake in UGS and merges UGS and SDRC, creating one of the industry's PLM
powerhouses.
2002 to 2003: ERP heavyweights Oracle and SAP get into the PLM ballgame, introducing platforms that integrate with their enterprise business systems.
2003 to 2004: Vertical PLM arrives as part of a trend to offer packaged PLM solutions, encompassing software, templates, and best practices, aimed at helping to minimize the deployment times and costs of PLM initiatives.
2006 to 2007: PLM consolidation continues as MatrixOne is acquired by Dassault Systemes, and automation giant Siemens buys UGS for over $3.5 billion, the latter underscoring the importance of bridging the virtual worlds of product development with the physical worlds of production and manufacturing.
Source: Managing Automation reporting; AMR Research Inc.