Autodesk has launched Forge, an initiative to accelerate a cloud connected ecosystem in support of the future of making things. The initiative consists of three major components - a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering, a robust developer program, and a $100 million investment fund - all geared toward advancing the next wave of innovative technologies that will transform how products are designed, made and used.
"The way we design, make and use products is rapidly changing. New technologies are disrupting every aspect of the product lifecycle," commented Amar Hanspal, senior vice president, Products at Autodesk. "Autodesk is launching Forge to help developers build new businesses in the changing manufacturing landscape. We are inviting innovators to take advantage of Autodesk's cloud platform to build services that turn today's disconnected technologies into highly connected, personalized experiences."
The Forge Initiative will help Autodesk realize the future of making things by partnering with developers and innovators to expand opportunities and connect all of the steps to design, make and use the next generation of products.
The Forge Platform is a set of cloud services that span early stage design, engineering, visualization, collaboration, production and operations. Open application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) enable small and large software developers alike to build intuitive cloud powered apps, services and experiences for the people making the world around us.
The Forge Developer Program will bring together the cloud developer community, provide ongoing training, resources and support, and host an inaugural Forge Developer Conference during the week of June 13, 2016.
The Forge Fund will advance the developer ecosystem by investing up to $100 million over the next several years in emerging companies that are working to deliver innovative solutions and services on or connected to the Forge Platform. In addition to financial support, Autodesk will also provide business and technical support to startups that are contributing value to the future of making things.