Whether or not you knew that Google had a 3D modeling platform, the internet titan is moving forth to hand it over to Trimble Navigation. The deal is worth over 30 million SketchUp accounts each year and should be concluded by the end of this year’s second quarter.
Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling platform that managed to grew to 30 million accounts since its startup in 2006. The free platform helps users create 3D models in Google Earth and allows them to create even 3D building and show them off to other modelers. Most users are game developers, architects and even movie producers, but people across industries seem to be on the list too.
In 2006, Google purchased the small startup and throughout the last few years SketchUp evolved considerably under the motto “ 3D modeling for everyone”. Trimble Navigation’s interest in SketchUp is obvious, given that the buyer is an experienced player in mapping, surveying and manufacture of equipment for marine navigation. So, SketchUp’s purchase is Trimble Navigation’s ticket to other markets such as construction, design and architecture.
Bryn Fosburgh, vice president with Trimble Navigation, announced that through SketchUp it will become Google’s partner in developing a 3D Warehouse. Users would be able to use the SketchUp 3D Warehouse to communicate and share their models.
Fosburgh said that the warehouse “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”. Bottom line this means that SketchUp “users will be able to collect data, design, model and collaborate on one platform”.
John Bacus, product manager at Google SketchUp, seemed very pleased with the buyer. He explained that thanks to the acquisition, SketchUp will serve users much better. “We’ll be better able to focus on our core communities: modelers who have been with us from the beginning, as well as future SketchUppers who have yet to discover our products”.
In a blog post, Bacus also pointed out that SketchUp had more than 30 million activations in 2011, an accomplishment that makes them proud.
Brian McClendon, vice president of engineering at Google, said that “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”.
