The faltering economy caught up with PLM software provider Dassault Systèmes in the final two weeks of 2008, as customers deferred signing contracts pending a better understanding of how 2009 would shape up, the company revealed late last week.
For the 2008 fourth quarter, ended Dec. 31, the company estimated its preliminary non-GAAP total revenue at €382 million, which in constant currencies is roughly 5% below Dassault’s 2007 fourth-quarter figure, and off from the €385 million to €395 million it projected.
Recurring software revenue for the fourth quarter increased about 12% in constant currencies, the company said.
In discussing Dassault’s preliminary results, company officials were audibly frustrated that they were unable to add to the revenue column what they thought was finished business.