A new home for SketchUp

[Pilou]

Now a private company owns it

Google was not a private company?

[thomthom]

That's wouldn't be a bad idea if that means that it would make more stuff compatible with SU and SU remains intact.

That pinpointed my concern - I hope I can still do the same with Trimble SketchUp as I can with @Last/Google SketchUp without it becoming filled with features for disciplines I don't use.

I like the basic and generic design of SketchUp - with plugins being the method of adapting the core platform to my needs. My fear are big-features applications like 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD and Revit.

I hope SketchUp remains simple at core - and this acquisition will enhance it's powers as a platform where Trimble offer their solutions (as customer options). As long as it remains as a lean simple platform other developers, like myself, can use it to develop our own solutions custom fit for any particular need.

[tomasz]

Google was as close to open source as you can get.

I was really hoping for that! Now it is very unlikely. Are WE strong enough to buy the SketchUp from them? Don't think so.

[sorgesu]

My first thought was "why"?
Since it was Google that introduced the idea of a free version of SketchUp they cannot possibly be disappointed if the revenues are not there. They set up the scenario that guaranteed little revenue so therefore they clearly had a different agenda. In what way has that agenda not been fulfilled which has caused Google to re-evaluate?

I would like to know how come, which of course I will never know.

In many ways creating the free version was a boon. It caused SketchUp to be almost universally known. In other ways it caused a problem amongst professional users who might otherwise have adopted the use of SketchUp but regarded it as "oh, that shareware". I do think it was a mistake to give away for free, so very much. The free version would not have been a bad idea if it had not been so robust.
Perhaps a purchase by a group within the industry who will understand that will create a free version that is much more restricted. That may not be such a bad idea.

[thomthom]

All Google needed to do was make the software 64 bit compatible with multiple cores and it was done.

No no no - neither part is a magic bullet! 64bit merely let you address more memory - multiple cores cannot be applied to all tasks. The only times I've issues with any in SketchUp has been with render engines that ran within the SketchUp process.
64bit and multicore requests are just cloaked requests for better performance - where it's then best to ask for "better performance" instead of making assumption on the technical implementation.

My own wish for SketchUp was for it to improve it's Ruby API to allow more things to be created by third party developers.

[marvins_dad]

LOL Solo!

Does this hiccup affect "#9"

At least now people can't opine about Google holding SU development hostage for purposes of populating Google Earth.

Both thoughts I had while reading the announcement and the Trimble pdf to it's shareholders.
Maybe it will help develop the product past what Google needed it to do to help out their own interests (google earth).
Maybe we will finally get a 64 bit version of the product? (I use Twilight, main reason for this)

I would hope that they would carry on the tradition of Basecamp (that really wasn't a Google exclusive thing, was it?) - that way they can announce a new version and explain all of this to us in person...to assure us everything will be all right and what great advances will come out of this new partnership/owner.

...or it could be a trainwreck

[dale]

Susan
As a trainer, I wonder how it will affect you?

[Marian]

The free version would not have been a bad idea if it had not been so robust.
Perhaps a purchase by a group within the industry who will understand that will create a free version that is much more restricted. That may not be such a bad idea.

Why create a useless free version?
They should have left the free version as it is for the most part and added more stuff for the pro.

[sorgesu]

Yes I also wonder about how that affects trainers.

[tallbridgeguy]

I still think it is a lousy development. I liked Google being in charge.

What happened to their "do no evil"....

[IdahoJ]

http://ww2.trimble.com/3d/

From their news release:

"In Trimble, we found a partner that will grow SketchUp in a way that best supports the SketchUp team and our users," said Brian McClendon, Google's vice president of engineering. "While at Google, the SketchUp community grew significantly because the team put users first, and we are confident they will continue to do so at Trimble. We at Google look forward to a continued partnership with Trimble and the SketchUp team."

Concurrently, the SketchUp engine will be integrated into Trimble's current solutions in its Engineering and Construction, Field Solutions and Mobile Solutions segments.

While this may indicate that SU could stay a free app as we know it, it makes me wonder if any of the improvements to the SU engine will find their way from Trimble's other integration projects. Normally, this sort of thing becomes proprietary and the answer is either "no" or "we'll consider it".

The other things that bother me is how this acquisition will effect content produced by independent individuals and shops, plugin designers and sites like Sketchucation. One wonders if it will raise licensing or copyright issues. Companies don't acquire assets from the goodness of their hearts, someone saw a profit in it. Companies exist to make a profit ...

Or will they do what Oracle did when they acquired Java from Sun? Keep it freely available but leave you with the feeling that there will always be a sword hanging over your head?

We'll see ...

One more thought: If Google can do this to SU and it's MILLIONS OF USERS (which are being sold to Trimble by proxy as well), then what would stop them from selling their Google Drive service, google+, the Android OS or any other "free" product or service they currently own?

The answer: nothing would.

Cheers.

[tomasz]

Time to learn Blender.

Sad, but true.

[pbacot]

I thought this was funny in Trimble's text:

SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals

Not really a "range". Silly me, I thought architects WERE "building and design professionals". They left out industrial, nautical, furniture, game, film, graphic etc. designers and hobbyists, sculptors and just plain artists to name a few.

and it's daily, not annually.

[tallbridgeguy]

What does it mean for this site? I see the google part has been replaced by ??????...

I can't imagine how many jobs this affects

[solo]

Wondering if they would be bold enough or courteous enough to come on this forum to discuss their plans, I mean we are after all their support and will be their best asset in the future.

[AdamB]

I think you have to see this as a 'positive thing', because Trimble have a wide variety of applications for the SketchUp modelling tech.

Also, notwithstanding the "time to learn Blender" comment, Sketchup remains the fastest way to realize quickly and simply the designs you want to capture - and it could act as a hub for some great workflows.

Adam

[solo]

So what happens to Google warehouse?

[Rich O Brien]

Read the press release.

Warehouse will remain as Trimble and Google have partnered for maintaining this.

[d12dozr]

So what happens to Google warehouse?

from Trimble's page

Trimble will also partner with Google on running and developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse

I'm excited to see what happens next!

[pbacot]

So what happens to Google warehouse?

Trimble states they will continue to support it in partnership with Google.

[Rich O Brien]

Here's the full press release...

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 26, 2012—Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SketchUp®, one of the most popular 3D modeling tools in the world, from Google (NASDAQ: GOOG). The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. While financial terms are not being disclosed the transaction is not expected to be material to 2012 earnings per share.

SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals—for designing, modeling and visualizing projects. The SketchUp product and its vision of "3D modeling for everyone" has allowed modelers worldwide, across a wide range of industries, to express design concepts easily, accurately and efficiently. Additionally, SketchUp users benefit from its extensive third-party developer community that provides industry-specific solutions for a variety of customers.

As part of the SketchUp platform, Trimble will also partner with Google on running and further developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, an online repository where users can find, share, store and collaborate on 3D models. The site enables users to create collections of models, including 3D Buildings, and share them with fellow modelers around the world. Individual models can be loaded, saved and viewed in 3D from within SketchUp or a web browser. For the foreseeable future, Google will host and operate the 3D Warehouse for Trimble and together the companies will continue to offer the same capabilities, functions and services that are offered today. The ability for users to submit 3D Buildings for potential acceptance and viewing in Google Earth will be maintained. Currently the 3D Warehouse has almost two million user-generated models.

"SketchUp and the corresponding 3D Warehouse provide an important element of our long term strategy by enhancing the integration of our field presence with the wider enterprise," said Bryn Fosburgh, Trimble vice president. "Trimble has already created the de-facto standard for field data models and project management tools for our key markets. SketchUp, together with these existing capabilities, will provide a stand-alone and enterprise solution that will enable an integrated and seamless workflow to reduce rework and improve productivity for the customer. Users will be able to collect data, design, model, and collaborate on one platform. The combined capability will enhance our ability to extend our existing market applications including the cadastral, heavy civil, and building and construction industries. In addition, the SketchUp platform will enable Trimble, third-party developers and our distribution partners to efficiently develop new applications."

"Since its inception, the SketchUp team has been committed to providing a robust, user-centric solution to its community and we look forward to engaging their talent and expertise. Beyond extending the reach of the product into Trimble's commercial markets, we are committed to continuing to provide SketchUp as a free version to millions of users. Trimble and Google will also continue to collaborate on utilizing other Google tools for Trimble's markets that, along with SketchUp, will provide our customers innovative and productive tools that transform their work," concluded Fosburgh.

"In Trimble, we found a partner that will grow SketchUp in a way that best supports the SketchUp team and our users," said Brian McClendon, Google's vice president of engineering. "While at Google, the SketchUp community grew significantly because the team put users first, and we are confident they will continue to do so at Trimble. We at Google look forward to a continued partnership with Trimble and the SketchUp team."

SketchUp

As a part of Google, SketchUp's charter was to empower a worldwide community of users to create 3D models for whatever their imagination could envision. Examples range from household furniture to famous stadiums and other buildings. These users come from a variety of backgrounds, with a large part of SketchUp's user community coming from a professional architectural or engineering and construction background. As a part of Trimble, SketchUp will continue to support all of its current users through its Web site at: http://sketchup.google.com. Concurrently, the SketchUp engine will be integrated into Trimble's current solutions in its Engineering and Construction, Field Solutions and Mobile Solutions segments.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: http://3d.trimble.com.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements made in this press release include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include the timing of closing the acquisition and its expected financial impact on earnings per share. These forward-looking statements are subject to change, and actual results may materially differ from those set forth in this press release due to certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause or contribute to changes in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) realizing the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of SketchUp, (ii) successfully completing the acquisition of SketchUp and the timing of the closing, (iii) Trimble's ability to successfully integrate and expand the SketchUp platform and, (iv) the risks and uncertainties associated with unexpected expenditures or assumed liabilities that may be incurred as a result of the acquisition and retaining key SketchUp personnel and customers. The timing of closing will depend on the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of closing conditions. Any failure to achieve predicted results could negatively impact Trimble's revenues, cash flow from operations, and other financial results. Trimble's financial results will also depend on a number of other factors, including the risks detailed from time to time in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K. Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statement contained herein, especially in light of greater uncertainty than normal in the economy in general. These statements reflect Trimble?s position as of the date of this release. Trimble expressly disclaims any undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any statements to reflect any change in Trimble?s expectations or any change of events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

[tald311]

Hello All,
Hope for the best but I think this is good news. SketchUp is getting a new lease on life after not being allowed to be developed as the community had hoped for the past 5 or 6 years. I think we will get to see SU further enhanced and moving along. The brand name is already established as is the user base.

Google could have killed it or said nothing and let SU die by lack of development which was the direction it was headed in since the release of SU 8. Instead it was sold.

Trimble is a part of the 3D mapping reality and construction industry. They have been around since 1978. If anything, acquiring SU makes it a bigger player in the A and E industry now.

Live Long and Prosper SU!
Daniel Tal

[solo]

So what happens to Google warehouse?

from Trimble's page

Trimble will also partner with Google on running and developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse

I'm excited to see what happens next!

I doubt they could possibly do a worse job than Google here, we may even get a warehouse worth visiting and not a heap of crap to spend days looking for an acceptable model.

[notareal]

Here's the full press release...

Sounds like that there will not be any direct effects... but lets wait and see. Hope that people from trimble appear her to speak.

[jbacus]

What worries me here is that I don't see the relevance of what they do with what I'm used with for SketchUp.
Will SU transform into a different type of solution? Will it fragment into specialized editions?

Hi guys,

Obviously we are still working out the product roadmap and we still won't be able offer any more specific forward-looking statements than we ever did. But it is clear to us that Trimble is better aligned as a company with the SketchUp team's goals than Google. We've learned a ton from our time at Google, but there's plenty we wanted to do that we couldn't.

Trimble is an interesting company and is far more invested in software than most people realize— particularly software for the AEC industry. If you don't know about Tekla, you should. Ditto for many of the other recent BIM acquisitions they have made.

Trimble are committed to growing our team and have invested in our product's future. They understand what our mission is, and support it wholeheartedly. Trimble is about "...transforming the way people work." And that is something that SketchUp has always done.


john
.

(ps: just so you guys know, there are 64-bit (and multithreaded) members of the SketchUp team sitting together in a room reading these posts.)

[solo]

John, you and the team moving too?

[Rich O Brien]

Exciting

[tomasz]

Wondering if they would be bold enough or courteous enough to come on this forum to discuss their plans, I mean we are after all their support and will be their best asset in the future.

Just to pretend, they are interested? They want turn SketchUp to serve their needs. Same way as Google did. Why discussing our requests when there will be no reasonable benefit to them?

[chedda]

Surely being gps and surveying orientated high poly is now on the horizon ? I think google have been treading water for too long these guys seem more professionally driven. Being in the architecture field I hope this is a good thing, otherwise modo I'm looking at you.

[d12dozr]

Here's a FAQ from Trimble with lots more info.

Thom, they say they acknowledge the value of 3rd party developers, and will support them