Autodesk, a global leader in 3D design, has launched an initiative aimed towards accelerating a cloud connected ecosystem to help transform how products are designed, made and used.

The initiative, titled Forge, consists of three major components – a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering, a robust developer program, and a $100 million investment fund – all geared toward advancing the next wave of innovative technologies in support of the future of making things.

“The way we design, make and use products is rapidly changing. New technologies are disrupting every aspect of the product lifecycle,” said Amar Hanspal, senior vice president for Products, Autodesk.

“Forge has been created to help developers build new businesses in the changing manufacturing landscape. We are inviting innovators to take advantage of Autodesk’s cloud platform to build services that turn today’s disconnected technologies into highly connected, personalized experiences.”

According to Autodesk senior executives, the Forge Initiative will help the company realize the future of making things by partnering with developers and innovators to expand opportunities and connect all of the steps to design, make and use the next generation of products. Forge is expected to help drive in more results with its ‘Code, Community and Create’ theme like;

•    Platform-as-a-Service – The Forge Platform is a set of cloud services that span early stage design, engineering, visualization, collaboration, production and operations. Open application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) enable small and large software developers alike to build intuitive cloud powered apps, services and experiences for the people making the world around us.

•    Developer Program – The Forge Developer Program will bring together the cloud developer community, provide ongoing training, resources and support, and host an inaugural Forge Developer Conference during the week of June 13, 2016.

•    Investment Fund – The Forge Fund will advance the developer ecosystem by investing up to $100 million over the next several years in emerging companies that are working to deliver innovative solutions and services on or connected to the Forge Platform. In addition to financial support, Autodesk will also provide business and technical support to start-ups that are contributing value to the future of making things.

The Forge Initiative also includes a partner programme for highly motivated innovators to work closely with Autodesk. Forge partners collaborate closely with Autodesk on the use of its cloud platforms to create intuitive services for manufacturing professionals supporting the Autodesk Product Innovation Platform.

Six inaugural partners include BriteHub, Proto Labs, FATHOM, 100kGarages, MakeTime and HWTrek. – TradeArabia News Service