think3(R) Unveils free2Design(TM) in China

think3(R) Unveils free2Design(TM) in China

October 20, 2006

Initiative offers free 2D software and new community user site in developing countries

    BEIJING, Oct. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- think3, a
leading supplier of product development solutions and
industrial design today announced free2Design, a bold
initiative to empower designers, engineers, manufacturers
and students in developing countries such as China with the
legal and licensed use of its 2D software for free.
http://www.free2Design.org , where downloads are available
now at no cost, is also a rich community user site where
people can share electronic design tools, techniques and
industry information to foster an open and creative
dialogue about product development.  In addition to China,
free2Design is being offered now in English for other
developing markets such as India to participate in the
program.  Other languages will be added over the course of
the next year.

    "We're leveling the 2D software playing field in
the developing world with proven and supported 2D
production tools," said Joe Costello, CEO of think3.
"Countries like China, whose low manufacturing cost
structure made it virtually impossible to afford the very
CAD software they require to do business, now have a free
source for licensed and supported software that legitimizes
their product development globally -- they are truly now
free to design."

    "Manufacturers here are moving from `made in
China' to `designed and made in China,'" said
Costello. "Every time we convert a pirated seat of
software for a legitimate and licensed one, we're helping
businesses here investing in their future as a respected
global player in product design and development. The free
use of our licensed and supported 2D software gives
engineers and designers here the needed tools to not only
compete, but just as important, innovate."  To put
this in perspective, it is estimated that more than 10
million people in China alone are using illegal seats of
CAD today.  As a member of the World Trade Organization,
the Chinese government is pursuing new ways to ensure
intellectual property rights are respected and software,
such as CAD, is obtained legally.

    think3's free2Design mechanical CAD software provides
users a production-proven set of capabilities for creating
2D documentation based on think3's 2D products and services
used by thousands of small to mid sized manufacturers around
the world for the past 15 years. It is a fully-featured 2D
solution with more functions that industry standards like
AutoCAD(R).  In addition, it has also import and export
DXF/DWG format capabilities that make it compatible with
AutoCAD.

    2D software features alone would not be enough to
improve dramatically productivity -- the difference is
adding in a rich user experience that allows users to
interact and learn together.

    "free2Design is much more than just free
software," said Costello. "We are establishing an
online design community in China where people can both learn
and contribute. It's about sharing and exchanging new
applications, ideas and opinions. It's about being part of
something bigger."

    The http://www.free2Design.org community site provides
an immediate source of information and interaction for
registered users that include:

    * Free and immediate access to all API development
examples, libraries of 
      symbols and drawing examples -- free for registered
users to upload or 
      download content

    * A variety of community-driven documents that include
getting started, 
      documentation, tips and tricks, help and frequently
asked questions

    * Online training that includes downloadable self
training material and 
      Webseminars

    * Forums that support general product and industry
discussions

    * Industry or CAD-related news that users can
contribute to as well

    * User Opinion Surveys

    "Our design and engineering students can now learn
the fundamental techniques for product design with a tool
that they can continue to use after graduation at no cost,
which is something they haven't had access to before now.
It's liberating for them," said Professor Lu Guodong,
who teaches at the School of Mechanical and Energy
Engineering at Zhejiang University. "Online social
networks are the natural way young people talk to each
other today - free2Design offers our students both a social
and professional Web community where they can create new
relationships, share design ideas and get practical tips on
projects or jobs."

    As free2Design users become more proficient, think3
also offers an easy and integrated upgrade to 3D,
industrial design capabilities and full PDM/PLM
capabilities to support the Product Lifecycle as a whole.

    About Zhejiang University

    Under the direct administration of China's Ministry of
Education, the new Zhejiang University is a comprehensive
university with fields of study covering eleven branches of
learning, including: philosophy, literature, history,
education, science, economics, law, management,
engineering, agriculture and medicine. The university has
115 specialties for undergraduate studies, and it is
entitled to confer master's degrees in 312 programs and
doctoral degrees in 237 programs.

    About think3 Inc.

    think3 is a leading supplier of product development
solutions to mid-sized manufacturers worldwide and provides
innovative, next generation industrial design solutions for
the industrial design industry. Customers include Honda,
Mazda, Buell Motorcycles, BMW, Alessi and Michael Graves
Design Group. Overall, the company enables more than 5,000
manufacturers to achieve dramatic gains in competitiveness
and profitability by optimizing their product development
process. think3's best-of-class products, services and
unique business delivery model lower manufacturers' risks
and remove barriers to successful implementation. With
headquarters in Cincinnati and offices throughout Europe,
Asia and North America, the privately held company has been
leading innovation for more than 20 years. For more
information, visit http://www.think3.com .

    For more information, please contact:

     Ann Willey 
     think3 Inc.
     Tel: [phone]

SOURCE  think3 Inc.