Autodeskが統一

土曜にメールを整理していると16日に次のような連絡が来ていた。どうも、MAYAに続いてXSIもオートデスクが所得したらしい。現行3Dツールを全部抑えた形。Adobeのmacromedia買収を思い出します。

「でも、Adobeとマクロメディアはある意味住み分けがあったけど、今回はもろかぶっているよ」と、同僚デザインマネージャーのG氏。そうだよなぁ。そして、フリーハンドやゴーライブは消えていった。ファイヤーワークスはいつまであるかわからない。
けどFlashCS4では、キーフレームが個別に実装されるらしい。良いことが共有されることもあるよね。そういう未来を願おう。

ぼくのXSI Foundationは買ってからほとんど使っていないんでサポートはいらんから、せめて認証サーバーだけは動かし続けて欲しいな。

Dear Softimage Customer,

We are pleased to announce that Autodesk and Avid Technology have signed a definitive agreement for Autodesk to acquire substantially all of the assets of Softimage, a Canadian subsidiary of Avid Technology. We are excited by this opportunity to join forces, combining two strong teams into a world-class center for computer graphics software research and development.

Both Softimage and Autodesk Media & Entertainment are headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Softimage has been developing state-of-the-art 3D technology for more than 20 years. Its products are recognized as best-of-breed in the entertainment industry. With nine million users, Autodesk is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the media and entertainment, manufacturing, building and construction markets.

Softimage’s technology complements Autodesk’s entertainment products. Many film, television and game pipelines include products from both companies. Adding Softimage products and technology to Autodesk’s entertainment product line will allow us to offer you more complete and efficient workflows.

Upon completion of the acquisition, you will still be able to choose your favorite 3D modeling, animation and rendering solution – whether it is SOFTIMAGE®|XSI®, Autodesk® 3ds Max® or Autodesk Maya® software. We intend to continue driving innovation in all three products. Following close, we will also focus on improving interoperability through the Autodesk® FBX® software 3D data exchange solution to help improve your production efficiency when working with multiple Autodesk applications.

We are also excited by the proposed addition of Softimage talent and technology to Autodesk Media & Entertainment, as it will accelerate the work of our newly formed Games Technology Group, which includes technologies such as Autodesk® HumanIK® and Autodesk® Kynapse® software. The group’s purpose is to deliver the next-generation of real-time, interactive 3D authoring tools for games, film and television.

Autodesk will acquire and plans to continue developing the following Softimage products:
• SOFTIMAGE|XSI, including XSI Essentials, XSI Advanced, XSI Academic, XSI Mod Tool and the XSI software development kit (SDK). XSI offers a complete 3D modeling, animation, rendering and development environment.
• SOFTIMAGE®|Face Robot® software, which enables the creation of life-like human facial animation quickly and easily.
• SOFTIMAGE®|Cat