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Your feedback on this Engineering Stimulus Package (ESP) program

Question asked by Oboe Wu

on Sep 24, 2009
Latest reply on Oct 15, 2009 by 1-9ZNRXL

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Hi all,

My name is Oboe Wu and I'm the Product Manager overseeing this ESP program.

Thank you for your participation. Would you like to share some feedback about it so far after its first lauch five months ago? Here are some open-ended questions. Your comments are welcomed.

What do you think of this ESP program?
What do you like about it?
What do you dislike about it?
How would you like this ESP program to develop in future? As you can understand, it doesn't make sense to keep offering the software for free, but we do want it help you solve problems.
How do you envision its development to be connected to the commercial usage in future?

Thank you again.

-Oboe Wu

SolidWorks Global Product Manager

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David Matula Sep 24, 2009 5:28 PM
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1. widely unknown program....
2. Do you have to be an engineer to get the program for free?
3. Do you have to be out of work?
4. ESP program, is it like a test run, that would allow someone to complete a project in 6 months then, come back with a discounted price to buy the program, for the next project.
5. Offering the program for people to use at home would be a great thing as long as there is a time limit and training on how to use the program available. If I had nothing better to do all day than sit and think of things to do with SolidWorks and learn some how to use some features that I never get to play with at work it would be great. If I could use the program to develop a product that I could then bring into production, and see the difference in the time it took to do it the old way and then with SolidWorks, it would make the cost worth the price. Then again you need to have someone that knows the product and the software working on the project to really make it work out the best.

Is there a special application that you need to fill out to get into this program?
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- Kelvin Lamport @ David Matula on Sep 24, 2009 5:39 PM
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  https://www.solidworks.com/sw/esp/engineering_stimulus_package.html
  
  https://www.solidworks.com/sw/esp/4637_ENU_HTML.htm
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- 1-K7SZX8 @ David Matula on Sep 26, 2009 9:50 PM
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  Any one can download a copy of ESP, that is just the beginning, it is like buying a car and not knowing how to drive, there are two possibilities you can learn to drive on your own and crash many times or get help of an instructor. Many resellers offer free essential course, provided you are ueemployed, otherwise you pay a fees. Some even give Solid Professor DVD, which can be used to learn the basics, in my opinion, to become proficient one needs hours of practice, that is what I am doing. If you are unemployed you can even get assitance from your state for advanced training. After all the training, one must find an employer who is willing to employ someone who knows basics, but most employers are looking for at least 3 years experince. May be one stands some chance if a certification exam is passed.
  
  All the best.
  
  Victor
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1-B9ZPHW Sep 29, 2009 12:03 PM
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Oboe,
First off thanks for the ESP.

I recently took part in the program and unfortunately the license time frame has elapsed and I do wish I could do more. I had already passed the CSWA at SWW08 but I was able to get the CSWP certification with the program thanks to one of your specialists (Avelino Rochino). I have been a Solidworks user for two years and was pretty well versed in the software already but the ESP gave me the chance to check out a few new tools and continue to practice modeling. Of course with all things good I wish I was able to take advantage of it more as I expect I could have picked up a few of the speciality certifications, I didn't realize there were so many until the exam change announcement last week.

To answer your questions directly.

1. I thought the program was good. I do NOT have the $$ to buy a license of Solidworks, seeing as how it may not be the primary package at any future employer. Getting access to it without having to commit to a whole year or 3 years subscription is great.
2. Again, free access and helpful SW employees who got me a CSWP voucher instead of the CSWA one. Access to Beta during it was also nice and provided even more access (Professional level for all Beta testers) and trying out the add-ins such as Photoview 360 was really cool.
3. Time. You can't give away the software for free for ever, that's a shame.
4. I suggest extended time with each certification. Get the CSWA, we'll extend it 45 days, CSWP another 45, 30 for each speciality. This gives users the chance to take each one. Roll access of the program into the fee for the exam. I was plenty happy doing training on my own but unfortunately now I have access to a lot of training (though other programs) but no program to work with.
5. See number 4. Let users decide on further certifications and expand the scope of things. A CSWP with rolled in ASME standards knowledge or something of the sorts.

If anyone is considering signing up for the ESP or going for CSWP I highly suggest you do so. A few further reviews of my time with the ESP can be found in my blogs journal I kept over at 3D Engr.

If anyone needs a qualified Mech. E. instrested in product design and development contact me for a resume.
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Ricardo Garcia Oct 9, 2009 9:42 PM
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Hello Oboe,

I hope things are going well with you in the current economic environment.
Regarding input to your general questions please see my responses below.

(1) What do you think of this ESP program?
It is an excellent opportunity for an individual to acquire experience utilizing the SolidWorks application; for FREE!. It is very altruistic for SolidWorks Corporation to provide this opportunity to individuals who wish to take advantage of this offer to add an additional tool to their skill set.

(2) What do you like about it?
The tutorials that SolidWorks provide illustrate the fundamental concepts and allow the User to develop additional skills by inquiry.

(3) What do you dislike about it?
The lack of technical support.

(4) How would you like this ESP program to develop in future? As you can understand, it doesn't make sense to keep offering the software for free, but we do want it help you solve problems.?
As you state you cannot continue to offer the application for free. However, SolidWorks Corporation should consider providing the Student Edition without a time expiration license instead of the current time limited license.

(5) How do you envision its development to be connected to the commercial usage in future?
The ESP opportunity will provide the individual who takes advantage of this offer to enable their future employer to confirm that they will have the requisite skills.
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1-9ZNRXL Oct 15, 2009 7:54 PM
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Mr. Wu:

My reply:
What do you think of this ESP program?
1) This is a great program and you should keep offering this. Having been dislocated & out of work and needing to update skills, this is extremely valuable tool and enables me to get updated on my resume and get back on track.

What do you like about it?
2) I like everything and it keeps getting better. I think the Simulation Express is the best option for a true design and it's easy to use. I also think the best thing that SolidWorks does is Promote the product.

What do you dislike about it?
3) 90 day limit. The last Student design kit I had in (2007) was 150 day license while attending a program. 90 days is still good tho.

How would you like this ESP program to develop in future? As you can understand, it doesn't make sense to keep offering the software for free, but we do want it help you solve problems.
4) In the future, I think there needs to be an avenue just like this, to allow someone in need (out of work or dislocated or whatever), to get reskilled.

How do you envision its development to be connected to the commercial usage in future?
5) The development of this should follow the commercial usage and people can get back to the commercial side by staying with it.

Mark Barlow
CAD Designer/Drafter
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