CADAM
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Lockheed |
| Fate | Acquired by IBM in 1989; later divested to Dassault Systèmes in 1992 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | CADAM, Micro CADAM, Professional CADAM |
| Parent | Lockheed (until 1989), IBM (1989–1992), Dassault Systèmes (from 1992) |
CADAM (computer-augmented design and manufacturing) refers to a CAD-related software suite initially created by Lockheed. Originally built for IBM mainframe systems, it was subsequently modified to operate on UNIX workstations like the IBM RT PC. Additionally, a DOS-based version known as Micro CADAM was developed for personal computers.
History
- 1977: IBM started marketing CADAM to companies within the aerospace sector.
- 1981: The release of version 18.3 introduced compatibility with IBM mainframes running VM/CMS.
- 1983: Lockheed established CADAM Inc as a subsidiary company.
- 1985: CADAM Inc prevailed in a significant legal battle against Adage concerning software interface design.
- 1987: Together with SDRC, CADAM Inc secured a key GM C4 benchmark; Professional CADAM was also adapted for platforms including Sun, Apollo, and HP.
- 1989: IBM acquired CADAM Inc, resulting in the formation of CADAM Inc, an IBM-owned entity.
- 1990: The creation of Microcadam aimed to develop Micro CADAM, while Professional CADAM was ported to the IBM RS/6000, becoming one of the earliest third-party applications on that workstation.
- 1991: Version V3R2 of CADAM was launched, regarded as a leading release; meanwhile, notable court rulings occurred in Soules v. CADAM.
- 1992: IBM divested CADAM Inc to Dassault Systèmes, leading to the establishment of "Dassault Systèmes of America" (DSA), which continued supporting mainframe and Professional CADAM products. Altium was formed to provide support for Micro CADAM, P-CAD, and IBM CAD software.
- 1993: A legacy edition of Micro CADAM was distributed under a free license for DOS-based PCs and remains available online.
- 1998/1999: Microcadam transitioned to CSC/Microcadam.
- 2000: Microcadam ceased operations, with support responsibilities shifting to Dassault Systèmes.
- 2001: Protel underwent rebranding and became known as Altium.
External links
- https://web.archive.org/web/20180415195158/http://www.cadhistory.net/
- CAD history
- MICROCADAM to Retire Helix Software