Paris, France, and Providence, R.I., USA, April 7, 2008 - Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced the availability of Abaqus for CATIA V5 R18 SP4 from its SIMULIA brand for realistic simulation. This latest release of Abaqus for CATIA V5 provides improved usability and robust design analysis capabilities directly in CATIA V5 to accelerate the product development process.

''Using realistic simulation in the design phase has enabled us to cut our time to market for a new latch significantly,'' says Thomas Waldmann, manager of the Technical Analysis and Simulation department at Kiekert, a global supplier of automotive door latches. ''Strength testing of automobile door latches is fundamental for us, but physical testing is slow and does not realize the whole job. We began our linear analysis of door latches with finite-element calculations inside CATIA. By adding Abaqus for CATIA V5 we are able to perform more complex nonlinear contact simulation, which is what we need for accurate strength testing in three dimensions.''

''SIMULIA is dedicated to delivering a scalable suite of design analysis products that permit our customers to start with basic design analysis and add functionality such as nonlinear contact, thermal analysis, or coupled multiphysics as needed,'' states Steve Crowley, director of SIMULIA product management for Dassault Systèmes. ''This release of Abaqus for CATIA V5 continues our strategy of delivering scalable analysis solutions that allow realistic simulation to be used throughout the product lifecycle.''

Using Abaqus for CATIA V5, expert analysts can define and deploy approved analysis workflows for use across the enterprise. This capability enables design and engineering teams to improve collaboration while evaluating design performance through the use of common FEA models, technology, and methods that are synchronized with their CATIA V5 design.

New and Enhanced Capabilities

• Natural frequency analysis on the unloaded structure, or after any level of loading
• Enhanced precision in setting up models involving contact—nodal adjustments made by the Abaqus solver can be previewed in the user interface
• Improved CATIA Octree meshing to provide a higher level of element quality when working with Abaqus models
• Element quality checks implemented in CATIA specifically for Abaqus users

A free one-hour webinar on Deploying Analysis Workflows with Abaqus for CATIA V5 will be held on April 8th and 10th. Register at http://www.simulia.com/webinars.

For additional product information, visit: http://www.simulia.com/products/afc_v5.

About Simulia

SIMULIA is the Dassault Systèmes brand that delivers a scalable portfolio of Realistic Simulation solutions including the Abaqus product suite for Unified Finite Element Analysis, multiphysics solutions for insight into challenging engineering problems, and lifecycle management solutions for managing simulation data, processes, and intellectual property. By building on established technology, respected quality, and superior customer service, SIMULIA makes realistic simulation an integral business practice that improves product performance, reduces physical prototypes, and drives innovation. Headquartered in Providence, RI, USA, with R&D centers in Providence and in Suresnes, France, SIMULIA provides sales, services, and support through a global network of over 30 regional offices and distributors. www.simulia.com

About Dassault Systèmes

As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product - SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design - DELMIA for virtual production - SIMULIA for virtual testing - ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D lifelike experiences. Dassault Systèmes is listed on the Nasdaq (DASTY) and Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) stock exchanges. For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com

CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries.