Computer-aided design (CAD) software has positively influenced the design industry from graphic designers to architects to other occupations in need of 2D and 3D blueprinting. Like other types of software programs, manufacturers are always trying to find ways to improve on older software versions. This isn’t always about convincing people to spend money they don’t need to spend. Sometimes it really is about improving the existing product, whether that’s fixing glitches or adding new tools to a program.

While many companies are working on new products, PTC has announced that it will release the next generation of CAD programs. The company hopes its new line will allow PTC to integrate its system with its partners’. This could improve developmental opportunities while allowing PTC to offer better services.

PTC hopes the new line will put it back at the top of the CAD market. According to James Heppelmann, the CEO for PTC, this new release is the first step in a 20-year plan designed to keep PTC at the forefront of 2D and 3D design software. The company has been beta testing the software under the name Project Lightning. A formal release of the project is set for summer 2011. It will have seven applications in the suite. Once that hits the market, PTC will follow up with version 2.0 in the fall of the same year.

As for the reason for the new software, PTC reports the new design should solve problems with CAD software that have negatively affected CAD design for the past several years. One of the problems the software address is interoperability. The new system will allow users to work in multiple CAD system and use information designed in other CAD software. That means a person can take a design from PTC’s Pro/Engineer and not only open in the new program but edit it, too.