Design & Analysis Software

Bill Gates, arguably technology's most financially successful figure of all time, has said goodbye to Microsoft, the company he founded, to concentrate on philanthropy. While C/Net caught up with Gates for his reflections in his final days on the job, the software tycoon's career invited a barrage of commentary in the press. Some saw him as a hero and positive change agent. Others viewed him as a ruthless competitor who squashed many would-be entrepreneurs. How do you assess Bill Gates' impact on technology, business, and people's everyday lives?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

James Duderstadt, president emeritus of the University of Michigan, thinks a revolution is needed in engineering education. An engineering professor himself, Duderstadt argued in a recent lecture that more education in the humanities and social sciences is necessary to produce young engineers with a deeper comprehension of the cultural and historical forces that affect technological advances. The Olin College of Engineering, started just six years ago, has gotten rave reviews by following just that tack. Will a revolution in education really produce better engineers?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

Frederick Tarantino, CEO of the Universities Space Association, recently testified before Congress in support of renewed funding for NASA and its Vision for Space Exploration initiative. Critics argue, however, that government money, particularly during a time of economic stagnation, is better spent on earthly needs, such as repairing decaying infrastructure and developing alternative energy sources. Where do you stand on this budget battle?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is warning that the U.S. will surrender its lead as a global innovator unless it improves math and science education and increases federal funding for basic research. He also wants changes in immigration policies to allow more skilled foreigners to work here, as well as an extension of R&D tax credits. Others, however, argue that the shortage of engineers and scientists is a myth, manufactured by the education establishment, and that cheaper foreign workers take away jobs from Americans. What's your take on this thorny issue?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

It's one thing to design a product in software, but you get a much richer experience when you can test that design in a virtual reality (VR) setting. The military is increasingly turning to VR to validate and simulate costly battlefield systems. Iowa State's world-class VR applications center is helping engineers design new medical imaging equipment, as well as perform CFD analysis on agricultural equipment. Less costly desktop systems also are making it possible for more engineers to try VR. Could your design work benefit from the VR experience?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.