Microsoft Corp. and Dassault Syst�mes (Nasdaq "DASTY," Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced a multiyear, global strategic alliance to deliver Dassault Syst�mes' product lifecycle management (V5 PLM) and 3D design solutions to companies of all sizes, taking advantage of the Microsoft� software platform.

Dassault Syst�mes' software enables companies to simulate products virtually in 3D from conception to maintenance across the extended enterprise, reducing the time and cost to develop products and increasing innovation. By capitalizing on the Microsoft platform, the companies intend to deliver greater customer value through solutions that are easy to use, deploy and maintain with reduced ownership and integration costs. This alliance enables a far broader set of customers to realize the benefits of 3D collaboration and PLM.

The alliance brings together Dassault Syst�mes' strength in 3D software with Microsoft's platform, which includes Web services development via Microsoft .NET, real-time collaboration, and both the Windows� client and Windows Server (TM) operating systems. Dassault Syst�mes' V5 PLM and 3D collaborative solutions, which currently run on both the Windows client and Windows Server platforms, will be deeply integrated with the Microsoft platform across a broad range of current and future Microsoft products.