WARRENTON, Va., March 19, 2003 - SPEC/GPC's Application Performance Characterization (SPECapc) project group has released an updated benchmark for systems running Solid Edge Version 12 CAD/CAM software from EDS PLM Solutions. The benchmark and initial testing results from SPECapc members are available for free on this web site.

SPECapc for Solid Edge Version 12 is an updated benchmark based on new features in the software's latest version. The new version increases the graphics and CPU workloads without requiring additional memory. EDS PLM Solutions nearly doubled the number of files in the benchmark's well-head assembly model, and increased the triangle count from 1.3 to 3.8 million. The CPU tests now include a re-compute calculation for a part with 500 features and a mass property calculation of the assembly.

"EDS PLM Solutions is providing a service to the industry by keeping this benchmark up to date," says George Chaltas of Intel, SPECapc chair. "This is the ideal way to create and maintain an application-based benchmark: The ISV contributes the application expertise and SPECapc implements proven methodologies that ensure appropriate graphics workloads and standardized measurement criteria, review processes, and reporting formats."

SPECapc continues to seek models and benchmarks for leading software programs in three key application areas: CAD/CAM/CAE, visualization, and digital content creation (DCC).

SPECapc is a project group of the Graphics Performance Characterization (GPC) Group, which in turn is part of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corp. (SPEC). SPEC is a non-profit corporation formed to establish, maintain and endorse a standardized set of relevant benchmarks that can be applied to the newest generation of high-performance computers. SPEC's membership includes computer hardware and software vendors, and leading universities and research facilities worldwide.

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