From a designers point of view:

Even before the advent of GENCAM was IPC's effort with IPC-350. In fact,
that is where CAM350 got it's name. The original intent of that application
was to output the "new" industry standard data format, IPC-350. This later
gave way to GENCAM which has now stepped aside (or- been pushed aside) for
ODB++.

The impetus to develop an industry standard data exchange format has been
around for over a decade.

So, what is standing the way? EDA software companies!

Imagine the convenience designers would experience if there was a data
format that could be easily exchanged between design platforms! Good God,
could this have any effect on market share? I think not.. but I believe
that is the fear held by the EDA vendors. It will surely be a cold day when
a standard data format will be supported by vendors of PCB design
applications. I am convinced this function will continue to be relegated to
applications that are in the CAM arena and will remain a post-processing
function for the designer.

The objectives Joe listed below were shared by the IPC-350 effort as well.

Denis Lefebvre, C.I.D.
Senior PCB Designer
Finisar Corporation
(408)542-3832
http://www.finisar.com

At 08:49 AM 1/31/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>Good day to all,
>
>It seems that IPC GenCAM is missing from this discussion. 25 years or so
>of group effort to develop a generic industry standard sitting on the
>sidelines in this dialog.
>
>The following is taken from the forum sponsors website
>
>"...Establishes the capability for a single ANSI STD datafile format to
>transfer data to all disciplines in the PCB supply chain.
>
>...Provides for complete transfer of test data and electrical test
>parameters.
>
>...Can accommodate several BOM descriptions in a single data file.
>
>...Brings your design into close contact with DFM issues."
>
>Has anyone taken it for a lap? Is (are) there a reason(s) for its absence
>in this dialog?
>
>Best to all,
>Joe