CompuServe Messages

Roger – Your points are well taken but there are two points I would like to make in response. First the folks designing and working on 3D Studio are a bit different than the folks working on AutoCAD. If the past is any indication, the Yost Group is very aware of what is happening in the animation world, and have been working hard to stay one step ahead of the competition which is fierce. I don't think there is any question of sitting on the fence, because things are moving so rapidly in this area. I recently saw an ad from Topas offering to 3DS users their package for $750. Which is a savings of some $3200. There is alot of pressure in other words to stay ahead of the game. The really important thing to keep in mind is that 3D Studio has the backing and clout of Autodesk which is a major software entity. And realise too, that while Topas et al. are chasing 3D Studio, the Yost Group appears to be going after the Alias, Wavefront crowd, as there are still gaps (but closing fast <g>). In other words their not sitting around, and are which is putting alot of pressure on the UNIX based systems, which is why their prices have been coming down as well. Its a very exciting time with alot of challenges. Another major advantage 3DS has is in its commitment to open architecture with IPAS. This gives alot of outside talent the opportunity to create and support 3DS. This was the formula Autodesk used with much success with AutoCAD and it seems to be working well for 3DS, and will continue to push the frontiers of possibility for 3DS. There may be a few gaps here and there, but I expect they'll be covered once the need is realised and I think you'll see 3DS is going to be the one to beat for some time to come. Commitment and enthusiasm are the corner stone of 3DS developement, and not just by the Yost Group. But your points are well taken this is no time for complacency 🙂 -JE