Ann Arbor, Mich.—Despite worldwide economic difficulties in 1998, the numerical control (NC) software and related services market grew 11.3% to reach $1.165 billion in 1998, according to eighth edition of the "NC Software and Related Services Market Assessment Report" by CIMdata Inc. This market is expected to grow 14% in 1999, exceeding $1.
Ann Arbor, Mich.—Despite worldwide economic difficulties in 1998, the numerical control (NC) software and related services market grew 11.3% to reach $1.165 billion in 1998, according to eighth edition of the “NC Software and Related Services Market Assessment Report” by CIMdata Inc. This market is expected to grow 14% in 1999, exceeding $1.3 billion by the end of the year.
The report found that software vendors received $792 million of 1998’s revenue, with most going to business partners, VARs, and other resellers. Software sales continued to lead service-generated revenues, which made up slightly less then 28% of the 1998 market.
“Intense competition in manufacturing is driving a renewed emphasis on NC programming,” says Alan Christman, CIMdata vp. “Shorter product cycles require greater automation. More complicated part geometries and a shortage of skilled workers are demanding more complex manufacturing processes and advanced NC capabilities.”
The report adds the NC market grew from just under $600 million in 1992 to just over $900 million in 1996 before topping $1 billion in 1997.
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