Bentley Announces ISO 15926?Based Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager

Bentley Systems, Incorporated today announced Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager, a new software tool built on ISO 15926 that makes existing plant design system data, such as PDS data, open and interoperable with other applications. With Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager, engineering/procurement/construction firms, owner–operators, and suppliers can connect to a live PDS project and open up the entire PDS project database without affecting the underlying PDS model or data. In addition, they can access in real time all model data and deliverables and extract them to ProjectWise in order to support globally distributed workflows. Because Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager makes Bentley applications interoperable with PDS databases, the ability to access and share this data in a collaborative environment doesn´t require PDS; the data is available to anyone using the next–generation of MicroStation and ProjectWise. Users also can save data in the ISO 15926 format, allowing them to connect to a PDS project and reuse its content in ISO 15926–compliant applications such as ProjectWise Lifecycle Server or Bentley OpenPlant PowerPID. With the project data in an open format and managed by ProjectWise, project teams can easily collaborate downstream and upstream, even when disparate systems are deployed. Benefits of Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager to the organization include managed data across the asset lifecycle, streamlined workflows, lower project and asset lifecycle costs, compressed schedules, and increased overall productivity "“ without adding any risks to the project.

Rob Whitesell, vice president, Bentley Software, said, "Bentley´s commitment to open standards and interoperability among applications is long standing and ongoing. This past January we introduced Bentley OpenPlant, the first range of software products for the creation and management of plant infrastructure based on the ISO 15926 data model. These products facilitate distributed–enterprise collaboration spanning disparate systems and include Bentley OpenPlant PowerPID, the only commercial P&ID solution to be based on a completely open data model. Today, we are announcing Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager, which brings interoperability to users of data created with PDS, streamlining their workflows and improving their productivity. In due course, we will introduce similar support for other plant design systems."

With Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager, users have real–time access to all PDS data via a live link to the PDS project database without translations, conversions, or extractions. They can see the breakdown structure of the model in a hierarchy browser, select individual objects, components, lines and tags, and zoom into the selected item. For each item in the model, a property pane displays all of the information in the same order in which users would see the data within PDS itself. This ability to see the live data associated with any component, rather than a snapshot review model, reduces errors and rework due to out–of–date information, saves project costs, and improves productivity.

Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager also enables project data created with PDS to be saved in the ISO 15926 format, extending its useful life beyond that of the PDS application. The information can be accessed and managed throughout the lifecycle of the infrastructure asset "“ from design to engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance.

For more information about Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager, visit www.bentley.com/openplant.

About Bentley OpenPlant

Bentley OpenPlant is a set of products completely built on the ISO 15926 data model that signals the next step in Bentley´s development history. By enabling this next phase of interoperability, Bentley OpenPlant helps organizations develop more sustainable designs and support innovation. Bentley OpenPlant products are open and deliver full collaboration between disparate systems; support distributed teams in single locations or spread over multiple offices; and enhance productivity by deploying the latest user interfaces and empowering engineers to share work seamlessly regardless of where they are located or what systems they are using.

Bentley´s first ISO 15926–compliant offering was its ProjectWise Lifecycle Server. At daratechPLANT2008, Bentley introduced Bentley OpenPlant PowerPID, the only commercial P&ID solution to be based on a completely open data model.

For more information about Bentley OpenPlant PowerPID, visit www.bentley.com/PowerPID. For more information about Bentley OpenPlant and to download a free whitepaper on ISO15926, visit www.bentley.com/openplant.

About BE Conference

BE Conference 2008 "“ BEst Practices for Sustaining Infrastructure is being held May 28–30 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. At this two–and–half–day event, decision makers and senior practitioners from infrastructure organizations around the globe, including owner–operators and AEC firms, will share innovative best practices using Bentley solutions. Conference sessions address the needs of executives, managers, architects, engineers, designers, builders, and other infrastructure professionals and include user–led content and programs dedicated to 13 "solutions communities." The highly focused agenda of BE Conference 2008 enables attendees to explore innovative ways to increase productivity, improve project quality, and reduce the costs and risks associated with sustaining infrastructure.

For more information about BE Conference, visit www.bentley.com/BEconference.

About Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Bentley is the global leader dedicated to providing comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Architects, engineers, constructors, and owner–operators are indispensable in improving our world and our quality of life; the company´s mission is to improve the performance of their projects and of the assets they design, build, and operate. Bentley sustains the infrastructure professions by helping to leverage information technology, learning, best practices, and global collaboration "“ and by promoting careers devoted to this crucial work.

Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 2,800 colleagues, offices in more than 50 countries, annual revenues surpassing $500 million, and since 1993, has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions. Nearly 90 percent of the Engineering News–Record Top Design Firms are Bentley subscribers, and a 2008 Daratech study ranked Bentley as the world´s #2 provider of geospatial software solutions.

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Bentley, the "B" Bentley logo, BE, Bentley OpenPlant PDx Manager, MicroStation, ProjectWise, ProjectWise Navigator, and ProjectWise Lifecycle Server are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.