PTC Windchill is a family of PLM software offered by PTC. PLM is the process of managing the lifecycle of a product, that is, of managing it right from the design stage through to distribution and disposal. Founded in 1985 in Massachusetts, PTC initially aimed to develop CAD modelling software, before branching out to other forms of technology such as augmented reality and collaboration software. In 1998, this expansion involved the creation of Windchill, and in 2004, the software was adapted to become simpler and aimed at small and medium sized businesses. The company is global, employing workers in thirty countries, and is worth over 1b.

The first edition of Windchill (version 4.0) was released in 1999, and since then there have been new releases almost every year, up to the current version (version 11.2.1.0), which was released in December 2019. Its implementation, although it can run on just one server, commonly uses three tiers – Client, Application, and Database.

Windchill capabilities are taught in IT/programming degrees at many universities, which has enabled it to become a globally used software. Its user base also ranges from individuals to large corporations, and the ease of scaling its software up or down to suit this has also aided its growth. The majority of its customers work in fields such as Automotive, Aerospace/Defence, and Industrial Products.

The products created by Windchill range from Product Analytics (this service is provided by Windchill Compliance, Windchill Materials & Substances, Windchill Cost, and Windchill LCA) to Utilities and Collaboration, both of which have multiple products to provide the service.

Source: www.wikipedia.com