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Randall,

I can't help out much with the download issue, but I did want to comment on your statement about ODB++ being an "open" format. The ODB++ format was developed by Valor, who was then purchased by Mentor Graphics. All indicators were that Mentor was going to keep the ODB++ format a proprietary format, in my opinion, in an effort to keep folks locked into a Mentor-Valor flow for their designs. IPC was wanting to adopt a updated format that would provide greater design integration than Gerber, but they were rightfully wary of anything Mentor was trying to offer. So, IPC set out on their own, to come up with a truly "open" standard. The result was IPC-2581 , it was only after this standard was announced, that Mentor started touting ODB++ as "open", and they created the "solutions alliance" website. In the interest of full disclosure, we use Mentor tools here at my employer. They probably wouldn't like my post, but oh well, free speech an all...., I really don't trust a vendor that doesn't open up their format until threatened with competition. I hope IPC-2581 can gain some traction. Mentor has said it will support that standard, if the industry adopts it. The Wikipedia article on ODB++ is a good read as well, (link) and collaborates some of what I've hinted at here. Sorry for the long-winded, somewhat off-topic post, but I don't want to see anybody get locked into something, without knowing the possible "gotchas".

I think to avoid the possibility of any Mentor folks tying this post to me, I think it might be best if I post anonymously. I do make my living using their tools, but I really don't trust them any further than I could throw them!