Zuken has extended its OpenDoor agreement with Mentor Graphics by participating as a partner in the recently-formed ODB ++ Solutions Alliance. Zuken will offer support for the ODB++ format in its CR-5000 and CR-8000 PCB design suites.

The ODB++ Solutions Alliance provides a forum for implementers and supporters of the ODB++ format to share their interest and success with others. Alliance members can exchange information, advice and ideas about the format, including implementation of best practices and their experiences in using the format across the PCB design-through-manufacturing flow. The overall goals of the ODB++ Solutions Alliance are to increase awareness of what is being achieved today with ODB++ in reducing time-to-market, cost and supply-chain risk, and provide the basis for wider adoption by designers and manufacturers so as to maximize the benefits for the PCB engineering community, and further enhancement of the format and its implementation methods in line with technological developments.