Mathcad upgrade incorporates XML

Mathcad 12, the newest version of Mathsoft’s calculation software, includes an open data model, scalability, ability to document engineering-critical values, expanded units and dimensions handling, and new 2D plotting capabilities.

By Control Engineering Staff November 11, 2004

Mathcad 12, the newest version of Mathsoft ’s calculation software, includes an open data model, scalability, ability to document engineering-critical values, expanded units and dimensions handling, and new 2D plotting capabilities. This new version also represents Mathcad’s first-ever XML architecture for delivery of an open engineering data model, enabling publishing, collaboration, integration, and search capabilities.

Mathcad 12 adopts XML as its native file format based on schemes to represent manageable engineering information. Users can automatically save Mathcad files as XML documents, making them easier to search and share with other users and systems, including document management applications, computer-aided design programs, and product data management solutions.

With XML, Mathcad 12 simplifies conversion of Mathcad files into XHTML and XSL-FO formats, enabling easier publishing as Web, PDF and other formatted documents. XML also enables results to be saved in worksheets and then viewed and used without having to reopen Mathcad—a key distinction for auditing purposes and regulatory compliance.

Mathsoft says other new features include:

Ability to define default units, meaning engineers can select inches instead of feet as the U.S. default length unit;

2D plotting options, including a new secondary y-axis, which allows data on two scales to be plotted on one set of axes. It also provides ability to change color on markers, and an improved interface to change color on grids;

Microsoft .NET architecture for stability and scalability;

Documentation organized around the tasks users most-often perform;

Data import wizard for bringing multiple data types from other applications and sources into Mathcad;

Web controls for insertion of sliders and dropdown boxes and other features into worksheets; and

Ability for any Mathcad user to create worksheets for the Mathcad Application Server.

Mathcad 12 is available at a list price of $1,199 per user, with an upgrade price of $299 to $399, depending on current version used.

—David Greenfield, editorial director, Control Engineering, dgreenfield@reedbusiness.com