Autodesk, the leading maker of 3D design software for manufacturing, building, construction, engineering, and entertainment, has unveiled a 3D simulation tool called Simulation 360 and its availability on the cloud to cut development lead-time in making products by thrice as much compared to its desktop counterpart.

To offer quicker services and easier internal collaboration among customers, Simulation 360 will have cloud- based simulation tools remove all hardware requirements and thus lower prices for commercial enterprises.

Jonah Normand, technical sales manager at Autodesk, introduced the new software as a change in business model at an exclusive launch event.

He said that Simulation 360 is beneficial for businesses since it outsources product design rendering to the cloud and instantly sends back results while calculations are ongoing, which gives real-time results and more flexibility in development time.

Citing Microsoft’s recall for the Xbox 360, which cost the software giant $1 billion after finding shortly after launch that its gaming console overheats, Normand underscored the importance of simulation in development since it helps in risk reduction for consumers and prevent possible product glitches for companies.

Normand said firms have some roadblocks that keep them from applying simulation tools in the development of products, which include cost-effectiveness, ease of use and hardware requirements, but Simulation 360 intends to provide a more accessible simulation tool to all who need it.

“Our strategy at Autodesk is to remove these barriers and give access to simulation,” he said.

“Our vision is to move simulation to the front end of design.”

Autodesk developed the cloud-based service for companies to have an easier time of including simulation in the product development process.

Normand said small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) can capitalize the simulation software in Simulation 360 since it comes in three unique packages, one of which is a pay-as-you-go service for more flexibility so prices can stay as low as necessary.

The budget-friendly option leans towards occasional users and is limited to 120 jobs, but costs €4,000 for 12 months.

The middle package, dubbed as Unlimited, fittingly offers an unlimited number of jobs at €8,000 for 12 months has an unlimited number of jobs.

The last but most expensive is the Poweruser package that for €18,000 provides an unlimited number of jobs along with a desktop version and security product.

For now, all three packages are exclusive to Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Autodesk already announced it has no future plans to create separate versions for other platforms such as Apple’s OS X.

About Francis Rey Balolong

A coffee junkie who spends most of his time writing about the latest news on social media and mobile technology. I would definitely consider myself a nerd (in the coolest most hipster way possible). That being said, I love technology, music, writing, and all things mobile. Follow me: Google+ Twitter

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