EDS contributes $6.25 million software to UNT

Plano-based Electronic Data Systems became a corporate partner of UNT recently by contributing Product Lifecycle Management software valued at $6.25 million to UNT's Department of Engineering Technology.

"PLM will help fulfill the mission of the department and our new engineering school by connecting businesses with academic research in an Internet-based environment," says Vijay Vaidyanathan, assistant professor and director of the electronics engineering technology program. "The software will offer our students digital design and engineering experience they will need to enter today's challenging technology job market."

PLM software is designed to track and manage all aspects of a product's life cycle, from initial concept and design through service maintenance and retirement. Tracking this cycle helps students better understand the manufacturing process and helps them learn the role of engineering project managers.

The software also demonstrates how production and development activities can be streamlined and made more cost-effective. Good product-lifecycle-management techniques, illustrated in the software, show students how products can reach the marketplace faster.

"EDS PLM Solutions is pleased to provide this contribution to UNT," says John Saia, president of the eastern region for EDS PLM Solutions. "We believe that EDS must help academic institutions increase the skills of the work force, introduce the most advanced technologies and improve product lifecycle management."

Vaidyanathan says the software donation "is a good example of the university's collaboration with local businesses."

"We're creating a technological environment between the university and industries that will promote regional economic growth," he says.

BY CATHY CASHIO ccashio@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Board of Regents authorizes $31.5 million to finance residence hall
• UNT's International Week begins April 7
• Parking lot 10 scheduled to close in May
• UNT departments on the move
• Staff Council elects replacement officer
• Nutrition course assisting U.S. Army Reservists
• 2003-04 Staff Council elections are this spring
• Outstanding staff, department awards presented at March 5 sack lunch
• Rafes gives Faculty Senate a campus development report

homepage