Guest Speaker at JT Open Management Review Board

Anaheim,CA - May 17, 2004 – World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks was the guest speaker at the JT Open Management Review Board (MRB) meeting during the PLM World Conference.

Consisting of PLM industry leaders and global manufacturers, the MRB is the governance board charged with representing the business and management views of the members of JT Open, an innovative global initiative launched in November 2003 to support the “JT” format – the world’s most widely-used data format for product visualization and collaboration.   Through its support of the JT format, the JT Open initiative focuses on promoting open data sharing, enhancing collaboration and expanding visualization across the extended enterprise and throughout the PLM industry.

The MRB’s initial action was to ratify the JT Open Governance Document.   This document defines a process through which representative groups of customers and suppliers come together to discuss the future direction of JT, thus creating a new paradigm for how industry standards are established.   In addition, the MRB also formed a JT Open Technical Review Board (TRB); elected an MRB representative from a new JT Open member company; and prioritized various JT Open initiatives.

“The initial actions by the MRB set the stage for the JT Open initiative to fulfill its mission of promoting a more open and collaborative PLM computing environment through the proliferation of the JT format,” said Mark Matousek, JT Open chairman of the JT Open MRB.   “The commitment and participation by board members, representing influential leaders from several Fortune 50 companies, is a clear testament to the strength and importance of the JT Open initiative.”

JT is a common data format for enabling product visualization and information distribution and enhancing data sharing between PLM software applications. The robust functionality and lightweight nature of JT technology make it possible to view and share product data and dynamic images worldwide, in real-time and throughout all phases of the product lifecycle.

Membership in JT Open is available to any and all end user corporations, independent software vendors (ISVs) and non-profit organizations. In addition, any organization that can derive indirect value from the initiative can participate as JT Open advocates.

Russ Wicks has committed to bringing the World Water Speed Record back to the United States.   Wicks, currently known as the "Fastest American on Water", will pilot a revolutionary new craft designed to exceed 400 MPH.   The current record is 317 MPH, held by Australian Ken Warby since 1978.

On June 15, 2000, Russ Wicks broke the longest-standing major speed record in motorsports history.   Wicks became the fastest person ever to take a propeller-driven boat through the measured mile.   Wicks piloted the Miss Freei Unlimited Hydroplane across the one-mile section of Lake Washington with an average speed of 205.494 MPH.   The previous record had withstood all challenges for 38 years.

Wicks’ next major speed objective, known as American Challenge, is a consortium of successful business leaders, innovative technical engineers, and motor-sport professionals.   American Challenge is utilizing interactive 3D virtual prototypes in a CAD-neutral collaborative environment.   Extensive fluid dynamic simulation, wind tunnel modeling, and water tank testing will also be employed.   The craft will be constructed much like a current military fighter jet, using the latest manufacturing processes.

For more information on PLM World visit:   www.plmworld.org