Intergraph/BSI Announce Changes
Erik K. Larson
Scott Bentley
610-458-5000
scott....@bentley.com
Jim Ruester
205-730-8301
jmru...@ingr.com
Updates Relationship, Distribution Strategy
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Intergraph, Bentley Systems Announce New MicroStation Strategy
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., May 6, 1994 - Intergraph Corporation and Bentley
Systems, Inc. (BSI) jointly unveiled a new business relationship and
distribution strategy for their flagship MicroStation product line
today.
MicroStation, the second best selling desktop computer-aided
design (CAD) package worldwide, is developed by BSI and currently sold
exclusively by Intergraph. Based on Intergraph's original IGDS graphics
platform, MicroStation is now the graphics engine for most of
Intergraph's software products, and for products from many independent
software developers (ISDs) around the world.
The strategy involves a gradual transition to independent
operations for BSI, beginning immediately. The company will sell
MicroStation and other software directly in 1995, primarily through
existing sales channels. Intergraph retains its 50 percent ownership of
BSI.
Intergraph will continue its focus on complete technical graphics
solutions in both hardware and software for a wide variety of
industries, while BSI will concentrate on the desktop drafting, design
and modeling software market. This approach will allow both companies to
meet customer needs more effectively, and will result in higher market
share for both companies.
The agreement immediately simplifies and unifies software support
programs offered by Intergraph and BSI. The Bentley Systems MicroStation
Comprehensive Support Program (MicroStationCSP(tm)) will be distributed
and promoted by both companies.
BSI will continue to strengthen its relations with independent
software developers. It will offer MicroStation technology to Intergraph
and ISDs in the form of "CAD engines" for vertical applications. Another
priority will be to broaden existing programs that increase the use of
MicroStation in educational institutions.
"Our relationship with Intergraph has always been mutually
beneficial, and this evolution makes good business sense for us, as well
as for our customers," said Keith Bentley, president of BSI. "We'll
support, market, and sell MicroStation, but half of our company is still
owned by the biggest player in the CAD market."
Tommy Steele, executive vice president of software systems for
Intergraph, emphasized that the new agreement maintains technology,
service and support continuity for customers of both companies. "This
agreement creates an orderly transition to a new, more beneficial
business relationship between Intergraph and Bentley Systems," he said.
"It's a change that will ultimately make MicroStation much more
competitive while making it available through a broader distribution
network."
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Intergraph Background Information
Intergraph Corporation develops, manufactures, sells, and supports
computer systems for the Technical Desktop [ the combination of
compatible technical applications and personal productivity tools in a
single desktop computer. Hardware products include personal
workstations, servers, scanners, and plotters. The company's integrated
software applications are used for computer-aided engineering, design,
analysis, manufacturing, publishing, and mapping/geographical
information systems. A member of the Fortune 500, Intergraph is the
world's largest company dedicated to supplying interactive computer
graphics systems.
Bentley Systems Background Information:
Bentley Systems develops and supports MicroStation and related computer-
aided design software. It is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, with
offices throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. MicroStation Version 5,
released in November, 1993 has received exceptional reviews due to its
features and ease of use. It is achieving record sales both from new
users and upgrades from the extensive MicroStation user base.