Autodesk has announced its new Forge initiative, offering a cloud connected ecosystem in support the Internet of Things (IoT). The initiative consists of three components which include a new platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering, a developer program, and a $100 million investment fund.
The Forge PaaS Platform is a set of cloud services that span early stage design, engineering, visualization, collaboration, production and operations. Open application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) allow developers to build cloud powered apps, services and experiences.
The Forge Developer Program will provide ongoing training, resources and support, and host an inaugural Forge Developer Conference during the week of June 13, 2016.
The Forge Investment Fund will advance the developer ecosystem by investing up to $100 million over the next several years in emerging companies that are working to deliver innovative solutions and services on or connected to the Forge Platform. In addition to financial support, Autodesk will also provide business and technical support to startups that are contributing value to the future of making things.
The Forge Initiative also includes a Forge Fast Track partner program for innovators to work closely with Autodesk. Forge partners will collaborate closely with Autodesk on the use of its cloud platforms to create intuitive services for manufacturing professionals supporting the Autodesk Product Innovation Platform. Six inaugural partners include BriteHub, Proto Labs, FATHOM, 100kGarages, MakeTime and HWTrek.