Dassault Systmes Bernard Charles on globalisation

Bernard Charles, President and CEO of Dassault Systemes, the France-based specialist in design and manufacturing process software, was in India recently meeting clients like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors. He spoke to BT's Sunny Sen on globalisation, the changing design landscape, and other matters. Edited excerpts from the interview:

On globalisation's effect: Global alliances are driving the adoption of product lifecycle management solutions. Now it is becoming a communications platform. That is a significant shift.

On clients: In the past, clients wanted toolkits like design software. Now they are asking for a solution to develop an entire car programme in a more efficient way.

On the design landscape: We helped the world move from flat drawings to 3D. This is about zero waste. It is not used by everyone yet, but it is a possibility.

On subscription-based software: We are preparing for subscription-based software. I think 'cloud' is about usage of new type of software. Smaller companies can subscribe for collaborative platforms.