Siemens Introduces New Portfolio and Rebrand of PLM Software

September 20, 2019

While rebranding can often be nothing more than a marketing strategy, it can also show a company’s commitment to respond to changes in the market. That is the case of Siemens PLM Software, which changed its name to Siemens Digital Industries Software. 

This comes as part of the Vision 2020+ reorganization of the company, which aims to provide integrated software (PLM and digital twins), infrastructure (IoT), and services for product development and optimization. At the same time, Siemens announced a new portfolio called Xcelerator, which combines software, services, and an application development platform.

Siemens Vision 2020+ innovation strategy
Overview of Siemens Vision 2020+ strategy (courtesy of Siemens)

This is important because, for decades, PLM software has been delivered as a monolithic product, which was expensive, complex, and rigid. New technology like the cloud made PLM more flexible and affordable, but vendors also acquired software products that have been combined with older software and sold in multiple variations. While this gives buyers more tailored functionality, vendor roadmaps became convoluted, often confusing clients and potential buyers. 

As a result, PLM vendors created suites tailored to specific industries such as retail or automotive. The next logical step was to add services and options related to application development around the PLM software core, which would allow companies to integrate better and improve their overall software stack in a consistent, process-focused way.

The new Siemens portfolio promises to deliver the benefits mentioned above but may also have a few drawbacks. First, the cost of such a sophisticated offering may be prohibitive for SMBs. Also, companies already using a mix of software such as PLM and technology like IoT or digital twins may not be ready to replace everything with a new portfolio. Finally, companies may need advanced internal expertise to manage this type of software.

G2 believes that flexible portfolios like Siemens Xcelerator can help enterprises and global companies be successful in their ongoing digital transformation efforts. It remains to be seen how the new platform compares with similar offerings by Siemens’ competitors, such as Dassault Systemes’ 3D Experience Platform or PTC ThingWorx.

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Siemens Introduces New Portfolio and Rebrand of PLM Software Siemens rebrands PLM Software as Digital Industries Software to adapt to market changes and focus on software and services for digital transformation. https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/maxime-valcarce-mAj8xn5zXsk-unsplash.jpg
Gabriel Gheorghiu Gabriel’s background includes more than 15 years of experience in all aspects of business software selection and implementation. His research work has involved detailed functional analyses of software vendors from various areas such as ERP, CRM, and HCM. Gheorghiu holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest (Romania), and a master's degree in territorial project management from Université Paris XII Val de Marne (France). https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/_Logos/Gabriel%20GheorghiuUpdated.jpeg https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgheorghiu/