As reported in the August 30 edition of TenLinks Daily, a former Geometric Software Solutions Ltd. employee was arrested last week after trying to sell the source code for the current version of SolidWorks to undercover FBI agents in a New Delhi hotel room. Below, upFront.eZine's Ralph Grabowski follows up on  the incident with officials from both GSSL and SolidWorks.

Sting Stops Sale of SolidWorks Sourcecode: Q&A

reprinted by permission of Ralph Grabowski, editor

September 4, 2002

upFront.eZine interviewed Laura Kozikowski of SolidWorks and Manu Parpia, managing director of Geometric Software Solutions:

upFront.eZine: Is the story's claim true of the source code being worth US$70 million?

SolidWorks: We estimate the value of SolidWorks' source code to be somewhere between the range of US$70 and US$90 million.

GSSL: The sales from SolidWorks 2001 Plus have been estimated in excess of US$60 million for last year only. However, the source code is re-used year after year for the entire life of the software product. We have no idea of the value of the SolidWorks source code except to say it's very valuable.

upFront.eZine: Are SolidWorks and GSSL doing anything to prevent this from re-occurring?

SolidWorks: Yes; we did do something: we caught the criminal with the cooperation of others in the industry. And SolidWorks and GSSL are further tightening our already sound security procedures.

GSSL: Geometric and SolidWorks are now working closely together to determine what further actions can be taken to improve security at Geometric's facility and elsewhere. Further information we may receive from the CBI as to how Mr. Verma was able to obtain the copy of the source code will assist us in determining how to improve security. Separately, Geometric has instituted a thorough analysis of its procedures governing making of copies, use of FTP sites, downloads, and the like.

upFront.eZine: Does GSSL have a comment on their future relationship to SolidWorks and Dassault Systemes?

GSSL: Geometric and SolidWorks have shared a deep relationship since 1996. SolidWorks has been very supportive and understanding. We believe this incident will not affect our long-standing relationship. We are working closely to determine what further action needs be taken to improve security at Geometric's facility and elsewhere.

upFront.eZine: Indian ITs [information technologists] are worried this loss of trust may result in loss of work for them. Can you comment on the future of American-Indian software cooperation?

GSSL: The Indian authorities are well aware that this case is of significant importance because it highlights two important aspects:

a) Willingness of India to enforce intellectual property rights.

b) To work together with global counterparts in enforcing intellectual property rights. By taking immediate action, it has sent a strong signal which will help the future of American-India software co-operation. However it is important that the case be taken to its logical conclusion for the trust to be sustained.

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