Software provider PACE today announced the release of the latest version of Pacelab Suite, the knowledge-based engineering platform for multidisciplinary product modeling, design analysis, verification and optimization. A major addition to Pacelab Suite 3.0 is an open application programming interface (API) that permits users to shape the basic components of the application to their exact needs. By empowering users to add vital but highly specialized or even proprietary functionality, the API significantly widens the scope of application for the Pacelab Suite software.

The interface allows the integration of customer or third-party plug-ins that add domain or use case specific functionality and create a customized environment for a defined set of tasks. The API also enables companies to closely incorporate the software into their business processes and product data management systems.

Examples of plug-in extensions range from the simple addition of parameter or document types and the customization of graphical user interfaces to sophisticated import and export mechanisms. The required programming skills obviously depend on the complexity of the plug-in, but with the comprehensive documentation and code samples that are delivered with the API, even users with basic proficiency in any of the .NET languages will be able to produce customizations for the Pacelab Suite applications.

Pacelab Suite 3.0 users can also benefit from an enhanced collection of optimizers to support their design investigations. This includes an advanced evolutionary algorithm for non-smooth and global optimization as well as a mature algorithm for smooth optimization with high robustness and speed. Additional optimizers can, of course, be added via the API.

About PACE:

PACE, with offices in Germany, France and the U.S., develops knowledge based engineering software aimed at accelerating complex engineering processes. By providing intelligent information technology, PACE helps its customers in the aerospace and automotive industries to increase their productivity and competitiveness. These include Airbus, Air France, Bauhaus Luftfahrt, Bombardier, Embraer, Emirates, ESG, Eurocopter, Rolls-Royce, Snecma and Sukhoi. More information about PACE is available on the Internet at www.pacelab.com.