We evaluated ModelCenter/Analysis Server for one month starting Oct. 1, 2003. We started from scratch, learning the software from the help manual available online. The tutorial was clear and concise, leading us quickly through an overview of many of the features of the software. The fact that formal training is not required to use this software is a big plus for us, since it is difficult to get away from our daily life and it is difficult to get funding for training. Companies that compete with Phoenix suggest very strongly that you buy their training program before you evaluate. We were also very pleased with the fact that obtaining an evaluation license and the software was easy. Your competition does not make this easy.

We used ModelCenter to perform two small, but real-world projects. The prediction code was written in C++ and Fortran and required a FileWrapper to turn it into a ModelCenter component. This was easily accomplished using the examples in the Analysis Server help. By automating what used to be manual work, ModelCenter enabled us to quickly find the most relevant coefficients and find their optimum setting.

The next project was to produce a design of experiments/response surface based on another prediction code. A table of approximately 1,000 cases had already been set up in Excel. We needed to run all the cases using the code and tabulate, in the same Excel spreadsheet, the resulting prediction. Fortunately, an example of how to run ModelCenter out of Excel is provided, so the setup was straightforward. The cases ran successfully and saved what would have been many days of manual labor. Again, ModelCenter proved itself.

Although what we did was relatively simple compared to the capability of ModelCenter, it quickly became apparent that this software could be used to automate our entire design system, a complex collection of in-house and commercial software. It will be especially useful in facilitating an interdisciplinary design approach.

I'd like to mention that, although I didn't need them very often, your technical support staff is outstanding. I have dealt with many technical software firms, and have very rarely seen the level of responsiveness that your group provided. They were very knowledgeable and very quick.

I will happily recommend ModelCenter and Analysis Server for general use at Dresser-Rand. We have many problems that require this software and between your price point, technical support, and the quality of the software itself, it is unbeatable.

Regards,
Peter Menegay
Aero-Thermo Design Group
Dresser-Rand Co.