Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1595
November 2008 7 NEWS: ACQUISITION into future versions of Autodesk solutions and products. According to Autodesk, it plans to acquire and continue developing the following Softimage products: ■ Softimage XSI: Including XSI Essentials, XSI Advanced, XSI Academic, XSI Mod Tool, and the XSI software development kit. XSI is production- proven 3D animation software, offering a complete 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and develop- ment environment for VFX and custom tools. ■ Softimage Face Robot: A complete software solu- tion for easily rigging and animating 3D faces. Face Robot enables studios to create lifelike facial anima- tion at incredible speeds. ■■ Softimage CAT: This advanced character anima- tion system is, ironically, a plug-in for Autodesk 3ds Max software. It is intended to be integrated into the 3ds Max product line. ■ Softimage Crosswalk: This interoperability solu- tion is intended to be integrated with Autodesk's own interoperability technology. Petit comments: "As we have demonstrated since the acquisition of Alias in 2006, we're committed to giving our customers choices when it comes to their 3D tools. We plan to maintain and grow the Softimage product line, and through Autodesk FBX, provide better interoperability between Soft- image products, 3ds Max, and Autodesk Maya. FBX also provides interoperability between Softimage products and our specialized applications such as Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk MotionBuilder, Autodesk ImageModeler, and Autodesk Stitch- er, as well as numerous third-party applications." Petit concludes: "At Autodesk, we care deeply about 3D technology; we know users invest a lot of time and energy into mastering their favorite 3D product. To all 3D artists out there, I want to tell you that we understand your passion for the creative tools you use daily, and that with Autodesk, you can choose your passion." ■ CGW_Half_HOR:CGW_Half_HOR 6/17/08 12:35 PM Page 1 More at CGW.com Go to www.cgw.com for an audio interview with Autodesk's Marc Petit and Softimage's Marc Stevens concerning this breaking industry news.