>Chris Taylor wrote:
>The question this thread raises is this: How can we more effectively
>influence the development and maintenance of the tools that our
>success is so dependent upon?

Chris,

Very well put response. I couldn't agree with what you wrote more.

In response to the question.
1) Get involved with your CADware vendor! If you use a good tool they'll
be more than willing to work with you. Rant! if you have too. And, if all
else fails? Yell continuously at the sales person! Believe me, it works! ;)

2) Get involved with your CAD tools users group, if there is one. Listed in
the back of PC Design magazine is a listing of the users groups. Get it,
and get in.
IF we work "collectively" on a software vendor, they WILL listen. Just
ask Cadence and Mentor.

Just MHO :)

By the way, I currently use the Cadence toolset. I've used HPs EDA
product (PCDS and DCS), PCAD, and have set with designers using
PADS and Mentor. The world would have to all go to Mentor to make me
use it (without Intercept's Pantheon)!

Mitch Morey
Sr PCB Designer
NSI Communications (was ComStream Corp)
San Diego CA
(619)657-5338

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