Worldwide software revenue for 3D plant design and visualization software is forecast to grow 10.5% to $168 million this year, according to a study from Daratech, Inc., Cambridge, MA. Companies expected to lead the market in end-user purchases are Intergraph; Cadcentre Group, plc; Bentley Systems; and Rebis Industrial Workgroup Software.

Several factors are driving the growth. They include rapid advances in data-driven 3D plant design systems and their collateral intelligent P&ID, visualization, space analysis, and database components. These elements are helping plant personnel compress schedules, reduce costs, and increase plant safety and maintainability.

Also fueling the growth is the rapid development of existing software technologies; availability of powerful, low-cost computers and graphics hardware; improved networking infrastructures; and innovative web technologies.

The wave of consolidation sweeping plant design software is also creating a notable impact. Major system providers are working to provide better-integrated coverage of all phases of plant creation and the plant life cycle.

Daratech, Inc., is a market research and technology assessment firm specializing in CAD/CAM, CIM, plant design, and plant management automation, among others.

For more information, contact the firm at 255 Bent St., Cambridge, MA 02141; 617-354-2339; fax: 617-354-7822; web site: www.daratech.com.

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