CATIA vs ExtendSim
CATIA
3ds.comExtendSim
extendsim.comSide by side
| Figure | CATIA | ExtendSim |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $544.75/mo | $833.33/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 10 |
| Spec score · Simulation Software | 8.4 (#4) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Purpose | CATIA supports imagining, designing, and simulating new products and systems. | ExtendSim simulates processes to help decision-makers assess opportunities for improvement and determine system configurations. |
| Support | Online AEC purchasers can use a support community, ask product experts questions, and receive an onboarding meeting with a platform expert. | The annual Maintenance & Support Plan covers download and installation help, troubleshooting, updates, upgrades and refreshed activation keys. |
Plans
CATIA
- CATIA for Architecture, Engineering & Construction — Yearly Subscription$6,537 a year
ExtendSim
- Analysis RunTime (Individual)$495, paid once
- ExtendSim CP (Individual)$995, paid once
- ExtendSim DE (Individual)$3,495, paid once
- ExtendSim Pro (Individual)$4,995, paid once
- ExtendSim Cloud Subscription (up to 4 instances)Priced on request
- ExtendSim Cloud (up to 4 instances)$10,000 a year
- ExtendSim Cloud Subscription (up to 32 instances)Priced on request
- ExtendSim Cloud (up to 32 instances)$25,000 a year
- OEM license$50,000 a year
- OEM License$50,000 a year
In their own words
CATIA
CATIA is a parametric modeling and engineering product with tools for assembly design, sheet-metal work, and surface modeling. It supports cloud collaboration. Platform availability depends on the CATIA product: browser applications run on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, while CATIA V5 sheet-metal software is available for Windows. File format support also varies by product. STEP import and export are listed, while DXF, STL, VRML, and IGES are supported by other CATIA V5 products. CATIA is paid, with pricing on request. Buyers should match the intended modeling work, collaboration needs, platform, and file exchange requirements to the specific CATIA product. Its web and Windows listings do not mean that every CATIA capability is offered on both platforms.
ExtendSim
ExtendSim is process simulation software for decision-makers assessing improvement opportunities and system configurations. It supports customizable modeling logic, hierarchical subsystems, interactive user interfaces and exploration of design options. Features include reusable custom blocks, model hierarchies, simulation animation, 35 built-in distributions and statistical analysis tools. Data exchange options include Excel, ODBC and ADO databases, FTP and text files; Scenario Manager can export results to JMP or Minitab. ExtendSim Pro adds discrete-rate and reliability block diagramming capabilities to DE, while DE adds message-based discrete-event architecture to CP. It is a Windows application, with web also listed as a platform. Standard licenses require 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11; ARM configurations are not officially supported. Mac use requires installing Windows with an emulator such as Parallels or Boot Camp. The trial lasts 30 days from first launch and is limited to the downloader; it disables Multicore Analysis, watermarks models and cannot run on virtual machines. Individual license options are one-time purchases, with first-year Maintenance & Support included; CP costs $995, paid once, DE $3,495, paid once and Pro $4,995, paid once.