more draftsight news: linux version

A few weeks back DraftSight removed the beta tag from its flagship Windows product.  On Wednesday, they added another product, this time a Linux version of there popular FREE 2D CAD program.

So what does this mean?  Not much if you are a Windows homer but if you run Linux at home on your personal computer this is a major announcement as it will now allow you to run DraftSight natively on your Linux machine.

Below is the official press release from Dassault Systemes about the new version.  You can also see screenshots at the end of the press release.

Dassault Systèmes’ DraftSight
Now Available for Linux

Linux Users Can Now Create, Edit and View DWG Files with DraftSight

VÉLIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, – March 9, 2011 – Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced the availability of a beta release of DraftSight for Linux.  DraftSight is a no-cost 2D CAD product for CAD professionals, students and educators that can be downloaded at DraftSight.com.

DraftSight for Linux allows users to create, edit and view DWG files.  DraftSight generally takes a few minutes to download and runs on multiple operating systems, including Linux and Mac OS in beta, and Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 in general release. 

“We’re very excited to finally announce to the DraftSight community the availability of Linux in beta for DraftSight,” said Aaron Kelly, senior director, DraftSight, Dassault Systèmes. “We’ve been working on the Linux version since the launch of DraftSight and have seen a significant rise in demand for this over the last few months.  It’s been our objective since the start to respond to users by providing them with products that will meet their needs.

DraftSight beta users have access to no-cost Community Support available within the DraftSight open, online SwYm community where they can access support and training resources, along with an environment to interact, ask questions and share their opinions.  The DraftSight community is one of the first social networks designed by engineers for engineers, designers and architects. 

For more information, please visit DraftSight.com.  Also, check out DraftSight on Facebook and Twitter.