REPLY Open Source Simulation Software (SD6810)

[SDMAIL Bill Braun]

Posted by  Bill Braun <bbraun at hlthsys.com>

Len Malczynski, among many good points, says that as features vary 
across software vendors there would be mismatches between imports and 
exports, and wonders if such a move [to standard file format] might 
result in homogeneity of tools? Magne Myrtveit makes a similar point 
when he notes that "...most non-trivial models make use of 'enhanced' 
features of the various modeling tools" and ends by asking, "How do you 
plan / envision solving this problem?"

First to Magne's question: I don't know how to solve the problem; I lack 
the technical skill. It occurs to me to ask, if any of the vendors in 
the market now wanted to add a feature another vendor has, would there 
be any reason they could not do so using their file format currently in 
use?

If the answer is no (all features are possible in all current file 
formats), then pick one - that's the common file format. If the answer 
is yes, then I speculate that each vendor is approaching or at their 
limits to growth, and may have to address the problem of an inadequate 
file format anyhow. Likewise, pick one, go from there.

To Len's question on homogeneity of tools, I am more cautious. I 
appreciate his point and its implications for innovation.

If there is a common file format, the vendor who wishes to add a feature 
would propose the file format enhancement. Vendors would be free to 
pursue their market strategy and would choose to make use of the feature 
or not. I suspect that is no different from what they do now with 
different file formats. Having now used Powersim, Vensim, and iThink, 
they are quite different tools, each with their array of rich, unique 
features and annoyances.

I'm at the end of my knowledge rope (close to hanging myself, I expect). 
Can we hear from the experts, Bob and Karim?

Bill Braun
Posted by  Bill Braun <bbraun at hlthsys.com>
posting date  Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:24:29 -0400