In the world of computer-aided design (CAD), SolidWorks is a name synonymous with innovation, reliability, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for engineers and designers. With each annual release, the company sets a new standard for the CAD industry. Under the guidance of CEO Manish Kumar, the much-anticipated SolidWorks 2025 represents a pivotal moment in the company’s journey—a moment where the lines between product creation and experience delivery blur.
When I sat down with Kumar to discuss the newest release, his enthusiasm for what’s coming was palpable. “Delivering just a product is no longer enough,” he said, reflecting a sentiment that reverberates through industries grappling with how to not only stay competitive but also create lasting impressions. As Kumar sees it, products today need to transcend functionality and offer customers an experience—something unforgettable. And that’s precisely what SolidWorks 2025 aims to deliver.
A Shift Away from the Traditional Release Cycle
The software industry is undergoing a dramatic shift. For decades, companies adhered to an annual release cycle, assuming that longer development periods equated to higher-quality products. However, as Kumar explained, this model is rapidly becoming obsolete. “The sooner you release a product, the faster it reaches the hands of clients,” he said. This approach allows companies to identify and fix bugs faster, improving quality incrementally without waiting for a major release.
“We’re not bound by the traditional annual cycle anymore,” Kumar noted. “We release functionality as soon as it’s ready.” This continuous-release model enables the company to respond quickly to user needs and incorporate feedback faster than ever before. But, as Kumar pointed out, they still take time at the end of each year to reflect on the cumulative advancements and celebrate the achievements with their user community. The November release of SolidWorks 2025 is a reflection of this new dynamic—a release that combines a year’s worth of advancements while teasing what’s to come.