MATRA DATAVISION acquires STRIM100, a surfacing software and
decides to build around its code a new product: EUCLID Styler.
As a consequence, EUCLID 3 will be no longer developped.
So it's time for RENAULT to choose a new software. 3 pretenders are in competition :
- EUCLID Styler - Nothing in common with former EUCLID
but the name.
- ICEMsurf- Originaly developed by WV and used by PSA.
- ALIAS SurfaceStudio - Enhancement of Autostudio v 9 already used in
modeling, with several new features added on request of RENAULT and GM.
ICEMsurf is quickly discarded. Probably more for political reasons.
Euclid Styler and Alias are tested
in deep by two teams. After several weeks, Alias is selected.
In order to avoid disorganizing the department, the training sessions
are planned along two years. 3 weeks for small squads of four. I am registered for
February 2000. Two years to wait...
And moneywise, the deal is rather correct for our companies, they pay
the price of the training while RENAULT still pay for us.
At this time, I am definitely acquirred to IT. I have bought a good PC ( a PIII 500MhZ...)
and started to go through 3D graphics. It is pretty clear I couldn't wait two years
to work with ALIAS.
Many times before, my boss asked me to go back to the office, arguing that RENAULT paid less. I always refused. But now I figure out he could simply refuse to pay for the training. And then force me to leave RENAULT and miss the opportunity to work with ALIAS.
ALIAS was already installed on our stations. So everyday, at lunchtime, I start my own training with the ALIAS on-line help. I review all the tools, trying to understand the similarities and differences with EUCLID.
My first Alias model. Dec 1998
In February 2000, last but not least, it's my turn for the training. I already use ALIAS for one year, I could tell the chief it's not necessary for me. But, just to avoid any trouble,disorganisation, gossips...I just let the train running on its track...After all, my boss never paid me any training. I had to move from hand drafting to CAD by myself and after from CADDS to EUCLID by myself too. Spending a lot of overtime for free...
It was 3 nice weeks, in a good atmosphere. To help the trainer, I just featured myself as a newbie. I know how boring it is, when as a trainer, you have to manage a pupil who believes he's better than the teacher.