SolidWorks and Dassault - The Ray Charles Show, Pt 2

What does it mean for the SolidWorks community when CEO Jeff Ray appears publicly onstage during the recently held press days wih Bernard Charles, CEO of Dassault Systemes?

As mentioned in the previous post, the recognition by the parent company is nice--and deserved. SolidWorks has done well for Dassault in terms of market share, reputation and revenue. Dassault says the profit is also good, but won't say how much.

Dassault Systemes needs SolidWorks, as without it, Dassault runs the risk of being marginalized, a high-end vendor in an increasingly midrange world. More specifically, Dassault needs the SolidWorks sales channel. But SolidWorks resellers have proven to be quite resistant to what they perceive as meddling with their beloved channel, as Charles has found out. It was in May at COE 2007 that he declared he would like to use the SolidWorks "volume channel" for some Dassault products only to have to retract the statement in the face of vehement protests.  (story broke here on CAD Insider)

Dassault's need still remains -- and the times change. In July of 2007, Jeff Ray ascends to the CEO spot. Previous CEO John McEleney was totally attuned to the users and resellers, and would have risen to their defense. But Ray may be more politically savvy and shrewd.