GM Adopts ParaXSG As Its Next-Generation Design Collaboration Technology
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DETROIT - General Motors has announced the adoption of ParaXSG as the lightweight (able to run on PCs and easy to use) math model technology standard to achieve real-time vehicle design collaboration among the thirteen GM Engineering Centers around the world.  

ParaXSG is the next generation standard for visualization of complex products incorporating the advancements in Microsoft's new eXtensible Scene Graph technology with a ParaLite math kernel. ParaXSG uses the collaborative capabilities of Microsoft's Windows 2000 and Exchange 2000 architectures. The ParaXSG lightweight math models are a critical part of GM's Fast Vehicle Development strategy for leveraging common vehicle subsystems and architectures.  

ParaXSG is the result of joint development between GM, Unigraphics Solutions and Microsoft to achieve lightweight math models that provide high levels of performance including real-time change propagation. The lightweight math models will enable vehicle design teams to visualize the impact of their decisions collaboratively in real time. The technology will be used in GM's engineering, purchasing and manufacturing environments.  

"GM recently completed a successful pilot based on version 1.0 of this technology. The performance of this platform exceeded our existing legacy UNIX environments," said Kirk Gutmann, Global Develop Product Information Officer at GM.  

"Parasolid, the industry standard kernel, combined with the new ParaXSG takes the lightweight math model to a new level in the industry. ParaXSG provides us the flexibility to use everything from broadband digital subscriber lines to dial-up connections," Gutmann said.  

The new collaboration tools will leverage the recently completed AT&T global links that connect GM Engineering Centers worldwide. Hewlett-Packard, which is currently helping GM implement an advanced technical computing infrastructure, has been chosen as the strategic partner to implement the new technology and to provide integration services. The new technology leverages GM's investment in Unigraphics and iMAN common design tools and will be eventually expanded for use on more than 30,000 engineering and enterprise desktops.   

(September 15, 2000)