Optiver Chooses AMD Enterprise Portfolio

SANTA CLARA, CA, May 8, 2024 – AMD announced that Optiver, a leading global market maker trading on 100+ exchanges, is using a broad range of AMD high-performance compute engines to help further its mission of improving financial markets by building a modern infrastructure that serves as the backbone of the organization. Using AMD EPYC processors, AMD Solarflare low-latency Ethernet adapters, AMD Virtex FPGAs, and AMD Alveo adaptable accelerators, Optiver is addressing a variety of technical challenges in capital markets to build systems that make financial markets more advanced.

“We’re a team of researchers and engineers driven by a common vision: building systems that make financial markets better,” said Alexander Itkin, US chief technology officer, Optiver. “We are constantly pushing the limits, whether it’s challenging the speed of light to minimize latency or building world-leading computational scale. We need computing infrastructure that enables us to navigate the complexities of the capital markets in nanoseconds. For us, this is only possible with high-performance products from AMD, which help us successfully and continuously adapt to financial markets.”

“AMD is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of commercial customers with a robust and diverse portfolio of compute engines that enable impressive performance and energy efficiency; two critical components of the modern data center,” said Archana Vemulapalli, corporate vice president, Commercial Enterprise, AMD. “Our work with Optiver is a great example of how we work together with customers to push the limits of what is possible, while demonstrating the capabilities of an AMD commercial solution and how it can address both present-day and future challenges for our customers.”

The specific AMD enterprise products that enable Optiver to modernize its infrastructure and unlock speed and efficiency for its business include:

  • AMD EPYC CPUs: Optiver is using 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors to build out large-scale compute needed to drive data analysis and deliver core density for the company’s data center modernization and workload consolidation efforts.
  • Solarflare Ethernet Adapters: Optiver also uses the AMD Solarflare X2 series Ethernet network adapters designed for high-performance electronic trading environments. These adapters provide low-level control of network interfaces at the application level, allowing Optiver to better design systems to scale and stay competitive.
  • Virtex UltraScale+ FPGAs: The exponential growth of data demands smart network and data center solutions that reach beyond fixed-function silicon devices to deliver maximum throughput, high data processing capability, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving connectivity standards. The AMD Virtex UltraScale+ VU23P FPGA helps Optiver accelerate its systems while remaining endlessly adaptable.
  • Alveo Accelerators: Optiver utilizes the AMD Alveo U55C and Alveo UL3524 adaptable accelerator cards, the latter of which delivers a 7X latency improvement over prior generation FPGA technology1.

“Our ultimate goal was to get faster access to data and information that is critical to meet the unique needs and workflows that the financial industry demands,” said Kevin Sprague, US hardware lead, Optiver. “The high-performance Alveo ultra-low latency cards are critical to helping us move more information, faster. Our collaboration with AMD helped us develop the products and features our industry demands. Additionally, our joint work has allowed us to expand and optimize our offering by leveraging not only AMD FPGAs, but also AMD EPYC CPUs to build out high-performance trading systems and infrastructure.”

AMD helps enterprise customers address the challenges of today with a robust portfolio of innovative and proven solutions. Optiver illustrates the ability of the leadership AMD compute portfolio, where individual devices in tandem form intelligent solutions greater than the sum of their parts, delivering unparalleled value to companies and customers.

About AMD

For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses, and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work, and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible.

For more information, visit the AMD website.

1 Testing conducted by AMD Performance Labs as of 8/16/23 on the Alveo UL3524 accelerator card, using Vivado Design Suite 2023.1 and running on Vivado Lab (Hardware Manager) 2023.1. Based on the GTF Latency Benchmark Design configured to enable GTF transceivers in internal near-end loopback mode. GTF TX and RX clocks operate at same frequency of ~644MHz with a 180 degrees phase shift. GTF Latency Benchmark Design measures latency in hardware by latching value of a single free running counter. Latency is measured as the difference between when TX data is latched at the GTF transceiver and when TX data is latched at the GTF receiver prior to routing back into the FPGA fabric. Latency measurement does not include protocol overhead, protocol framing, programmable logic (PL) latency, TX PL interface setup time, RX PL interface clock-to-out, package flight time, and other sources of latency. Benchmark test was run 1,000 times with 250 frames per test. Cited measurement result is based on GTF transceiver “RAW Mode”, where PCS (physical medium attachment) of the transceiver passes data ‘as-is’ to FPGA fabric. Latency measurement is consistent across all test runs for this configuration. System manufacturers may vary configurations, yielding different results. ALV-10

BMF Launches microArch D1025 Dual-Resolution 3D Printer

MAYNARD, MA, May 8, 2024 – To offer more flexibility for customers looking for high precision 3D printing solutions, Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) is launching the industry’s first line of hybrid printing solutions for micro-scale and ultra high-resolution applications. The dual resolution microArch D1025 is the first printer in the series, printing in either 10µm or 25µm resolution, or in hybrid mode with both resolutions in the same print layer or in different layers.

Since BMF launched its first printer in 2016, the company now supports over 2,000 customers across the world as they look to iterate and produce more precise parts. Built upon BMF’s patented Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) technology, the microArch D1025 enables more efficiency within the 3D printing process, allowing users across healthcare, electronics, life sciences, and photonics applications to print two resolutions within a single layer.

Using a technique that allows for rapid photopolymerization of layers of liquid polymer using a flash of UV light at micro-scale resolution, the 25µm resolution mode can be used for parts in which the features don’t require ultra-high resolution and 10µm mode supports small, complex features to optimize the 3D printing process. Users also have the ability to choose to print a single build in either 25µm or 10µm depending upon the part geometry, providing greater flexibility and efficiency across all applications and industries.

“Our driving motivation for innovation has been to offer new platforms that can help realize high value applications for 3D printing. Increasingly, we have been pushed by our customers to bring our technology to applications where higher precision and tighter tolerances would result in an overall increase in quality and performance, regardless of part size,” said John Kawola, CEO-Global, BMF. “The launch of the microArch D1025 continues our commitment to answer this call, combining the advances of the microArch S350 25µm platform with the high-resolution capability of our 10-micron printer into one powerful, flexible solution for our customers.”

In addition to offering dual platform capabilities, the microArch D1025 delivers enhanced, built-in automation and easy shifting between resolution modes to optimize the user experience while saving time, resources and cost. To learn more about the microArch D1025, please visit https://bmf3d.com/microarch-d1025/

About Boston Micro Fabrication

Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) enables highly precise, micro-scale 3D printing across healthcare, the life sciences, electronics, and machining industries. Using the company’s proprietary PμSL (Projection Micro Stereolithography) technology, the microArch system printers produce the industry’s most accurate and precise high-resolution 3D prints for product development, research, and industrial short run production. Founded in 2016, BMF has offices in Boston, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Tokyo with a research and development center in San Diego.

For more information on BMF, please visit www.bmf3d.com.

Hypertherm Associates Unveils ProNest 2025 v16.0 Nesting Software

Hypertherm Associates, a US based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, announced a major version update to ProNest 2025 version 16.0 nesting software. There is a collection of new features and ongoing updates designed to help customers improve their operational efficiency while reducing non-value-added tasks.

ProNest 2025 version 16.0 nesting software

New features include the following:

  • Enhanced integration with Tekla PowerFab Connector – this optional module provides seamless data exchange between ProNest and Tekla PowerFab
  • Library parts updates – this ensures the latest revision is always available
  • Job auto recovery – this helps save work in progress from being lost
  • Collision avoidance – this, now included by default in ProNest LT for OMAX waterjet setups, ensures an optimized cut path is applied in ProNest, eliminating the need for secondary steps in IntelliMAX

Other recent features and enhancements:

  • Crop line improvements – include multiple crop lines per nest with capabilities to cut empty plates using crop lines, change cut direction and apply XY coordinates
  • Small entity detection – identifies motions that are smaller than kerf width or other length value, which can cause errors at the machine or may result in poor cut quality
  • Machine home movement – moves for remnants that do not have a corner at the standard machine home
  • Settings improvements – to vaporize protective film for laser machines that support this capability

About Hypertherm Associates

Hypertherm Associates is a US based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software. Its products, including Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet systems, are used by companies around the world to build ships, airplanes, and railcars; construct steel buildings, fabricate heavy equipment, erect wind turbines, and more. In addition to cutting systems, the company creates CNCs, and software trusted for performance and reliability that result in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Founded in 1968, Hypertherm Associates is a 100 percent Associate-owned company, employing approximately 2,000 Associates, with operations and partner representation worldwide.

Learn more at www.HyperthermAssociates.com.

ROSSETTI Partners with Revizto

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 8, 2024 – Revizto, the industry-leading Integrated Collaboration Platform that streamlines and centralizes project workflows and communication, announced today a new three-year enterprise agreement with ROSSETTI.

The Miller Electric Performance Center, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a large-scale project that required a lot of coordination with multiple team members within a tight schedule. With Revizto, ROSSETTI was able to meet the short project schedule. The ability to easily share and view up-to-date content decreased the need for changes. (Image source: ROSSETTI)

ROSSETTI’s an expert in architecture, planning, interiors, and analytics, specializing in sports and entertainment venues, mixed-use developments, corporate headquarters, and master planning. Some of the exclusive projects for which they utilize Revizto include the Miller Electric Jacksonville Jaguars Performance Center, the Miami Formula 1 venue and the Atlanta Falcons training facility renovations.

ROSSETTI originally purchased Revizto on a per user basis and later upgraded to a per project basis with unlimited users. After realizing how the platform was able to enhance their design process, they decided to grow their partnership to an enterprise agreement to increase efficiency and ensure consistency across all projects. This also enables them to train their staff on how to use Revizto on all projects of all sizes. The improved coordination with their design consultants has also resulted in better performance, reduced errors, and time savings.

“With the evolution of Building Information Modeling, Architects have quickly adapted by creating new processes and workflows. However, these solutions had been fragmented and inadequate. Revizto connects these processes and workflows together into one cohesive blend to visualize design coordination, streamline tasks and meet faster project schedules without sacrificing time for our craft.” says Dan Wells, design lead | associate, ROSSETTI.

Since July 2017, the architecture and design firm has been a dedicated supporter of Revizto. With the entire design team and ROSSETTI’s consultants benefiting from improved access to 3D models and drawings, it allows them to coordinate issues quickly. Automated daily updates mean less time is spent on information sharing, allowing for a greater focus on refining the design. Additionally, the integration with Revit and utilization of cloud-based technology have streamlined the design process, enabling access to models and drawings from any device at any time.

“We are thrilled to announce our new three-year enterprise agreement with ROSSETTI. Their decision to adopt Revizto on an enterprise scale underscores the value of our platform in enhancing design processes and project outcomes. We’re excited to continue supporting ROSSETTI’s journey and to further empower their team with our Integrated Collaboration Platform.” says Anthony Heller, central region sales director, Revizto.

To learn more about how ROSSETTI utilizes Revizto to empower architects and streamline architectural design processes for project success, join us on May 31 at 1:00PM EDT via Zoom. During the webinar, Dan Wells will demonstrate how they blend old and new practices for improved collaboration in the world of architectural design. Register here.

About ROSSETTI

ROSSETTI is a multi-disciplinary design practice with expertise in architecture, urban planning, interiors and analytics. They realize projects that are meaningful to their community, to their clients and ourselves.

For more information about ROSSETTI, please visit www.rossetti.com.

About Revizto

Revizto, a Swiss-based company, launched coordination software for the architecture, engineering, construction & operation (AECO) industry in 2012 and quickly became the fastest-growing Integrated Collaboration Platform. Using gaming technology and cloud solutions, Revizto provides a BIM collaboration platform for 3D and 2D workflows that enables users to work and communicate with all project stakeholders in a unified single environment. The platform is utilized globally for real-time coordination, automated clash detection, and issue tracking throughout the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project.

Revizto empowers teams to drive accountability, improve timelines and maximize cost-savings by connecting contributors from across platforms, model types and teams, from in-office, on-site, and any device. As a result, thousands of firms around the world are using Revizto to make better decisions and minimize rework.

For more information about Revizto, please visit website.

Ansys Partners with Schrödinger

PITTSBURGH, PA, May 8, 2024 – Ansys and Schrödinger are collaborating to deliver an ICME approach that bridges the gap between materials discovery and product development. Together, Ansys and Schrödinger will accelerate the discovery of new materials by using a multiscale framework, leading to more optimized materials, components, and manufacturing workflows for customers. The new workflows will empower Ansys customers to make critical decisions earlier in the design process and bring products to market sooner.

Ansys and Schrödinger join forces for integrated material design solutions

Presently, materials discovery and product development are separate processes. While digital engineering tools have been widely adopted, standardizing and accelerating materials engineering tools has been delayed by the complexity of generating detailed data at a small scale. As a result, new products are being developed faster than the discovery of new materials that could improve performance. Computational materials engineering tools that quickly model materials from molecular to macroscopic levels present an opportunity to help customers unlock new levels of innovation and keep pace with industry advancement.

The Ansys and Schrödinger collaboration delivers a critical solution to address this challenge. The holistic approach of ICME allows customers to first determine what material characteristics are needed to meet specification standards. Once identified, users can generate material properties using Schrödinger’s molecular modeling and use them in an Ansys simulation tool to evaluate product performance based on predicted materials data — all before prototyping begins. With this collaboration, users can run multiscale simulations to discover new materials, while ensuring products across industries fit performance standards such as weight, size, and efficiency.

“Designing the next generation of materials starts at the molecular level,” said Mathew Halls, senior vice president of materials science at Schrödinger. “Our collaboration with Ansys delivers a dramatic and necessary acceleration in materials discovery that will greatly impact our understanding of their applications. Providing customers with the right materials information before conducting physical tests can significantly reduce costs and shorten project timelines.”

For example, when evaluating how a material behaves under force, engineers need to know how much it can stretch and how much force it can withstand before permanently changing or breaking. Schrödinger’s platform enables virtual testing of these properties to determine their reactions to stress factors, and the results can be stored and managed in an Ansys materials information database. From there, the materials data can be applied to an Ansys structural simulation workflow to observe the material’s behavior in context.

“Using the right material for product development is crucial for the success of its intended application,” said Shane Emswiler, senior vice president of products at Ansys. “But when it can take up to 20 years to test and validate new materials, the types of products our customers can develop are stymied by the current selection or worse, the most suitable material doesn’t exist. Together with Schrödinger, Ansys will provide an accelerated path to discovering new materials that have better performance and longevity for a host of applications, ensuring our customers can stay on the cutting-edge of innovation.”

About Ansys

When visionary companies need to know how their world-changing ideas will perform, they close the gap between design and reality with Ansys simulation. For more than 50 years, Ansys software has enabled innovators across industries to push boundaries by using the predictive power of simulation. From sustainable transportation to advanced semiconductors, from satellite systems to life-saving medical devices, the next great leaps in human advancement will be powered by Ansys.

For more information, visit www.ansys.com.

Toyota Motor Expands Use of MATLAB, Simulink

TOKYO, Japan, May 8, 2024 – MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, today announced that the Toyota Motor Corp. (Toyota) will expand its adoption of the MATLAB and Simulink platforms and usage of Model-Based Design (MBD) within its Japan-based operations to accelerate the automaker’s plans to develop “ever-better cars” and “transform into a mobility company.”

MBD is the systematic use of models throughout the development process, which improves how automotive engineers deliver complex systems. Automotive companies use MBD to respond quickly to changes in the market environment, accelerate the speed of service delivery to customers, and achieve efficient investment and improvement in development capabilities.

“Standardizing around MATLAB and Simulink made sense because the software was already widely used within the company, and we were entering a phase in which it would be difficult to respond promptly to the rapid and diverse changes in the world,” said Tatsuya Okamura, chief project leader, Information Systems Group at Toyota Motor Corp. “In addition to providing the necessary modeling and simulation functions, our company’s goals will make it essential to create an environment where various options can be utilized and trained as and when required.”

“We have worked together since 1993 to accelerate Toyota’s development processes and make them the envy of the automotive world,” said Andy Grace, vice president of engineering for design automation at MathWorks. “Using MathWorks products, Toyota can eliminate manual steps, perform predictive maintenance, and create a digital thread that connects requirements and system architecture to component design and testing. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Toyota to help them maintain their global leadership position through continuous innovation.”

Toyota was an early adopter of MBD. Most Japanese automakers subsequently adopted MBD using MathWorks products like MATLAB and Simulink for modeling and simulation. This design approach helps automakers test new ideas and perform fast and reproducible tests, reducing the development cycle and cutting development time by more than 50%. Automating critical steps like code writing and verification eliminates manual procedures and reduces human error. Toyota can also use models as digital twins for predictive maintenance, failure detection, and optimization of systems in operation.

About MathWorks

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of engineers and scientists, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a block diagram environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain and embedded engineering systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these products to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, communications, electronics, industrial automation, and other industries. MATLAB and Simulink are fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s top universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 6,000 people in 34 offices around the world, with headquarters in Natick, MA, USA.

For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

Scale AI to Open European HQs in London, UK

LONDON, UK, May 7, 2024 – Scale AI, the data infrastructure company for AI, has selected London as the location for its European headquarters, reinforcing the company’s mission to accelerate the development of AI globally.

Scale’s United Kingdom (UK) office will serve as the center of its operations in Europe. Scale provides world leading data generation for model builders, and helps enterprises and governments adopt and fine tune custom large language models.

The ambition for Scale’s multi-million-pound investment in the UK is to see a workforce of over fifty specialist engineers and software developers. This expansion will bring the recruitment of local talent as well as the deployment of specialist engineers from the United States. As Scale’s global operations increase, their UK-based workforce will continue to grow.

“The UK has long been a hotbed for technology, talent, and diverse ideas, which is why we’re proud to establish roots here,” said Alexandr Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI. “When I attended last year’s UK AI Safety Summit, it was clear that the country’s leaders and policymakers are engaging thoughtfully with the AI industry, and we look forward to our continued partnership to advance technological progress throughout the region.”

As Scale deepens its commitment to the UK, it aims to replicate the success it has seen from its close partnerships across the U.S. government to advance policy and regulation, as well as support the government’s own internal innovation initiatives.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I’m delighted that Scale AI has chosen London for its European base. It’s another vote of confidence in the UK’s economy and status as a science superpower and we are determined to ensure AI helps deliver a brighter future for the next generation.”

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “It is fantastic news that Scale has chosen the UK for their European headquarters. This is a further vote of confidence in the UK as Europe’s AI hub and a leading global destination for AI innovation and investment. The Government is determined to seize the huge opportunities that AI offers to transform public services for the better, working with some of the world’s most innovative companies, such as Scale.”

About Scale AI

Scale is fueling the Generative AI revolution. Built on a foundation of high-quality data and human insight, Scale’s proprietary Data Engine powers the world’s most advanced models. Their years of deep partnership with every major model builder enables us to provide the roadmap for any organization to apply AI. Scale is trusted by industry leaders including Meta, Microsoft, the US Army, the DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit, OpenAI, Cohere, Anthropic, General Motors, Toyota Research Institute, and NVIDIA.

For more information, visit website.

Centric Announces SOLIDWORKS PDM Connect 1.0

CAMPBELL, CA, May 7, 2024 – Centric Software, the product lifecycle management (PLM) market leader, has announced the launch of SOLIDWORKS PDM Connect 1.0, an enhanced PLM connector for SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS PDM users. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source, buy, make, price, allocate, sell and replenish products such as fashion, outdoor, luxury, multi-category retail, grocery, food & beverage, cosmetics & personal care and consumer electronics to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

SOLIDWORKS is one of the 3D CAD design solutions most used and preferred by hard goods engineers, especially among consumer goods brands and manufacturers. More than 3 million product designers and engineers worldwide, representing 240,000+ organizations, use SOLIDWORKS to bring their designs to life.

Centric launched a SOLIDWORKS connector in 2021 as part of their 3D agnostic strategy, extending native, end-to-end 3D product design, development and product review with integration between leading 3D design packages and Centric PLM™. The original connector enables 3D designers and product teams to access Centric PLM from SOLIDWORKS and vice versa in order to integrate CAD functions, automate certain tasks, deploy revisions and improve communication between design, engineering and suppliers.

The new SOLIDWORKS PDM Connect 1.0 connector links files from SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) to Centric PLM and automates the export of native 3D (and 2D) files directly to Centric PLM without having to leave the PDM environment. Engineers can also visualize and edit data from Centric PLM in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Windows File Explorer interface.

“In the past, engineers could have set up a macro with hard-coded instructions to export 3D files,” explains Ron Watson, EVP Products and chief security officer at Centric Software. “But then those files still would need to be transferred by those engineers to the correct location. This involved waiting for each file to generate and then make the manual transfer only when the generation is done. With the enhanced connector, a process that would take an entire day can now be completed in minutes utilizing PDM’s own workflows in conjunction with the SOLIDWORKS PDM connector.”

Centric PLM can automatically generate 3D viewables directly from the SOLIDWORKS file, or create a PDF from a 2D drawing associated with the file. These files are viewable directly in PLM by users across departments such as production, sourcing or merchandising, enabling them to review designs in development or build tech packs, for example.

Ron Watson, EVP of products and CSO at Centric Software notes, “The enhanced SOLIDWORKS connector enables a seamless workflow from SOLIDWORKS to Centric PLM, turning manual processes into hands-off automated operations with significant associated time savings. Engineers free up time to focus on creating great designs and other teams gain accurate insights into designs in progress at an earlier stage, driving faster time to market for consumer goods brands and manufacturers.”

“We are delighted to announce that we have enhanced our SOLIDWORKS connector to bring increased efficiencies to our customers in consumer goods,” says Chris Groves, CEO of Centric Software. “As part of Centric’s 3D strategy, we innovate with customers and solicit their feedback to constantly improve integration between Centric solutions and the 3D tools that teams use every day, building a tighter software ecosystem that works seamlessly to deliver benefits such as greater speed, improved collaboration and cost savings.”

About Centric Software

Silicon Valley-based Centric Software provides an innovative product concept-to-customer platform for producers, brands and retailers of all sizes in the food & beverage industry, food service and grocery retail sectors. Centric Software works closely with customers to achieve more efficient project management and safer product development, execute a competitive retail and product strategy, increase agility, speed time to market and get closer to consumers, resulting in maximized revenues and margins.

Centric Software is a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes, the world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital mock-up and PLM solutions.

For more information, visit www.centricsoftware.com.

Peter Ankerstjerne to Succeed Pierre Guelen as CEO of Planon

NIJMEGEN, Netherlands, May 7, 2024 – Planon Group, the global leader in smart sustainable building management software, announced that Peter Ankerstjerne will become its new chief executive officer, effective June 1, 2024. Ankerstjerne will succeed founder Pierre Guelen, who will step down as CEO after 42 years at the helm of Planon.

Pierre Guelen

Pierre Guelen began his career as a structural engineering consultant, but soon realized the potential of developing his own software package for maintenance planning, which he called ‘Planon’. Under Guelen’s leadership, Planon quickly grew from a small maintenance consultancy to a market leader in Netherlands, with customers such as PTT (KPN), Philips, Heineken, Shell, and many universities and municipalities. Guelen subsequently pursued an ambitious international expansion strategy, opening offices in Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, India, Singapore, Sweden, and the United States, and acquiring other software companies along the way. Planon’s software solutions are globally recognized as innovative and customer-oriented, and in the past two decades, the company has been repeatedly acknowledged as a global market leader by independent research and market intelligence firms, such as Verdantix, IDC, Frost & Sullivan, and Gartner. Pierre Guelen is widely acknowledged as a visionary entrepreneur. Planon today operates as a truly international company with offices in 16 countries and more than 1,100 employees.

Peter Ankerstjerne

Peter Ankerstjerne joined Planon in February 2021 as chief strategy officer and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision, strategy, and innovation roadmap. He has also strengthened Planon’s position as a thought leader and partner for customers and stakeholders in the smart building market. Prior to Planon, Peter held various senior positions at leading organizations such as ISS and JLL, where he gained extensive knowledge and experience in workplace and facility management. Peter has also served on the IFMA (International Facility Management Association) Board of Directors for a seven-year period, including a two-year term as the Chairman of the Board. In addition to his contributions at IFMA, Peter has served in various committees and councils within the facility management, real estate and outsourcing industries. With a bachelor’s degree in international marketing management and an MBA from Copenhagen Business School (CBS) in Denmark, Peter brings a strong academic foundation to his professional endeavors.

“Peter is the ideal leader to take Planon to the next level of success,” said Pierre Guelen. “He has a deep understanding of our market, our customers and our technology, and a clear vision for the future of Planon. I have full confidence in his ability to keep driving Planon’s growth and innovation, while maintaining our core values and customer focus. I am proud of what we have achieved together at Planon, and I am excited to support Peter and the Planon team in this new chapter.”

“I am honored and extremely proud to take on the role of CEO of Planon Group,” commented Peter Ankerstjerne. “Planon has an outstanding reputation, a strong culture and a highly talented team that is dedicated to delivering value and innovation to our customers. I look forward to continuing to work with them and our partners to further grow our business, expand our global footprint and lead the digital transformation of the built environment.”

Ankerstjerne added, “I would also like to express my gratitude to and admiration for Pierre, who has built Planon from the ground up into a global leader in smart building management software. His vision and passion have created lasting value for our customers as well as our employees and have elevated the industry to becoming more digitally oriented. He is a true entrepreneur and an inspiration for us all.”

About Planon

Planon is the leading global provider of smart sustainable building management software that connects buildings, people and processes. By eliminating data silos and aligning solutions into one shared information platform, Planon provides all building stakeholders with actionable and meaningful insights. Independent market research and consulting firms have consistently rated Planon as a global leader in the market. Planon has implemented its comprehensive solutions for more than 3,250 clients, supported by offices and partners around the world

For more information, visit website.

Nemetschek Introduces AI Innovation Hub

MUNICH, Germany, May 7, 2024 – The Nemetschek Group, a leading software provider for the AEC/O and media industries, announced the introduction of an AI Innovation Hub. The hub aims to bundle the existing AI activities in the Group and accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the AEC/O (architecture, engineering, construction and operations) and media industries. The hub will be led by two top leaders, who are joining the Group from Google this month: Charles Sheridan, chief AI and data officer, and Julian Geiger, vice president AI product and transformation. Internal processes as well as customers and partners will benefit from increased productivity and efficiency.

Ethics, trust, and sustainability are essential dimensions to developing and deploy AI responsibly. The goal of this hub is to ensure that AI technologies benefit individuals, organizations, and society as a whole while minimizing potential risks and negative impacts. This approach goes way back to the principles established by founder Professor Georg Nemetschek and encompasses all Nemetschek brands. The AI Innovation Hub will tailor AI solutions and products for the customer needs along the entire building lifecycle and for the media & entertainment industry.

The main focus of the newly created AI Innovation Hub is driving AI initiatives across the brand portfolio with partners, alliances, and customers. The Nemetschek Group aims to accelerate product development as well as the testing and exploring of deploying AI tools such as AI Visualizer (a new feature in Archicad, Allplan and Vectorworks), 3D Drawings (part of Bluebeam Cloud) and the dTwin platform to help users increase productivity and sustainability in their processes. The goal is to launch ethical and trustworthy AI as a service (AIaaS) for customers and partners. The establishment of this hub will position the Nemetschek Group as an AI-driven, yet human-centric software leader in the AEC/O and media & entertainment industries.

“Our mission has always been to lead the way in innovation, especially in AEC/O and media & entertainment industries, and this AI Innovation Hub will take us a step further”, says Marc Nézet, chief strategy officer and chief division officer operate & manage. “I am very happy that we have two renowned experts join the team. Together we strive for an ethical AI, protecting creativity and intellectual property rights, and designing and building sustainably and responsibly.”

“I’m truly excited to embark on this journey together with the Nemetschek team. The company is not only committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the AEC/O industry but also prioritizes ethics and the responsible integration of AI. The establishment of the AI Innovation Hub reflects our dedication to customer needs and requirements,” says Charles Sheridan, new chief AI and data officer at Nemetschek Group.

Charles will lead the global AI Innovation Hub, driving the seamless integration of AI technologies across the company’s diverse portfolio of software as well as deploying the internal adoption of AI. In more than 25 years of his international industry experience, Charles has focused on addressing critical technology challenges in the cyber-physical world. Before joining Nemetschek, he held key roles at large tech companies including Google, Intel and Huawei, where he spearheaded the development of next-generation cloud, AI, data, and IoT solutions. Having significant experience within the EU commissions and university communities, he bridges the gap between industry and academia, while also advocating for collaboration and open collaborative research ecosystems.

Julian Geiger, vice president AI product and transformation at the Nemetschek Group, will lead the development and adoption of AI capabilities across the Nemetschek Group to drive customer value and increase internal productivity. “This is an inspiring time for the Nemetschek Group and its brands. I am very proud to become a part of it,” adds Julian Geiger. “Our commitment to fostering an ethical AI-first company will fuel business growth while supporting sustainable and trustworthy AI solutions for our customers and the AEC/O industry.”

With over 16 years at the forefront of technology strategy and product management, Julian brings experience from previous roles at Google, Boston Consulting Group, and BMW. In his past roles he was responsible for transformative business strategies, delivering software products, and nurturing transformational partnerships. Julian Geiger has a deep knowledge in applied AI, data foundation design and analytics.

About Nemetschek Group

The Nemetschek Group is a forerunner of digital transformation in the AEC/O industry and covers the entire life cycle of construction and infrastructure projects. With intelligent software solutions, they lead their customers into the future of digitalization.