At the end of the year and at the beginning of the new year, there are a log of posts that are generated summarizing the past and predicting the future. Since I’ve already covered the future in my first post of 2009, “PLM Dream Technologies for 2009”, now I’d like to talk about the past.
The following is my top 5 list for the “PLM technological jungles” in 2008.
1. PLM 2.0 concept
Technologically, PLM 2.0, in my view, takes product lifecycle management to the next level of capabilities by adding “openness”. My main concern about Enterprise PLM today is about the disconnection of people and processes within an organization. PLM 2.0 breathes new, fresh air into this space. Now all data is available online for all, with transparent tools. Although there are still a lot of issues related to interoperability that need to be resolved, the technical achievements presented today in PLM 2.0 allow users to work online on the same components and assemblies. These (technological achievements) are very interesting and impressive.
This technology is trying to make 3D more user friendly and, as a result, widely available for people. This technological trend was presented by multiple existing, new and leading providers in the CAD/PLM space. Overall, this technology, popularizes 3D to the masses and definitely takes CAD/PLM downstream. With the development of this technology, more users in CAD/PLM eco-systems will be able to use 3D in their daily lives – manufacturing, marketing, customer support etc.
3. Web 2.0
Rather than being a particular technology, Web 2.0 provides a specific set of technological capabilities that has changed the Web into a ‘Web of participation’. One of the top technological needs in PLM, in my view, is the ability to connect people. The Web 2.0 technological trend majorly impacted and influenced PLM 2.0 definitions. The success of Web 2.0 technologies and awareness (such as blogs, Wikis etc.) has impacted and will continue to impact the PLM community significantly.
4. Mashups
The peak of excitement around Mashups came from Google maps. This is the first and foremost example of successful and practical Mashups. There are additional vendors in the Mashup world such as Yahoo Pipes, Microsoft Popfly and others. In my view, Mashups is heavily under-invested in PLM. Moreover, there are some very serious technological and community oriented influencers that are preventing some Mashups from succeeding . I’m excited about it, but this still needs to happen.
5. RIA
Rich Internet Application is a very important technology. In my opinion, RIA marks the end of discussion regarding what’s the best Web or Desktop solution. RIA moves the Web from an application name to technology, allowing access over Web only. What’s more, it also provides an overall agreement about users’ needs regarding user experience and user acceptance – this is one of the top priorities of PLM
This sums up is my “top -five”. I’d be interested in knowing if you agree with my ranking, or what other technologies to add to this list.
