Jeff Ray talks about slowing development

YouTube link to video of Jeff Ray speaking to user group leaders.

Sometimes I can’t  believe my ears. For years SolidWorks has tuned out the frequency of customers begging SolidWorks to slow down and just focus on making the existing software more reliable and consistent. And now Jeff Ray as the new-ish CEO of SolidWorks is acknowledging this request. I never thought I would see this day.

There have traditionally been several untouchable topics for SolidWorks:

– free software

– free bug fixes/support

– direct support, cutting out the reseller

– reverse compatibility with SolidWorks own file types

– compatibility with Catia

– “get it right the first time” attitude toward service packs

– slow down development and fix things

– stop delivering half-baked software

It sounds like the “slow down development and fix things” is going to see some play. This sudden 180 on SolidWorks part is a little disorienting. I think people can be forgiven for being somewhat skeptical. The proof will be in the pudding – I will believe it when I see it. I want to believe, but I’m not going to be drawn in by pretty words from a new CEO who is still for the most part an unknown quantity. We are also hearing these words from other parts of the company, which adds weight and credibility to Mr. Ray’s words, but it all remains to be seen.