e*ECAD announces a new, easier, and more efficient way of accessing tools and design consultant support. In comparison to the previous navigation system when customers had to click through company logos to find what they need, now categories and functions are provided to make search a lot faster and friendlier.

Access Tools
On the Tools section page under Downloads, tools are listed by tool type, by vendors who offer these tools, and by full listing in alphabetical order. Tool functions are divided into 4 categories: (1) Technology, (2) Front-End Design, (3) Physical Design, and (4) Back-End Design. Each category is further subdivided into more specific product types within that function. Vendor listing shows all of e*ECAD vendor partners offering tools on the e*ECAD website. A full listing of tools are provided for users to see the entire collection offered on www.eecad.com.

Search for Design Consultant Service Providers
On the Consultants page under Support, customers now can search for design consultants on the basis of their area of specialty, rather than clicking through individual websites to determine what fields of expertise are offered. Job functions are sectioned off into 6 different categories: (1) chip development, (2) technology process, (3) tool flow, (4) system level specialty, (5) additional support, and (6) vendor-specific support. Likewise with tool functions, each category in the Consultants page is further subdivided into more specific fields. In addition to the job function categories, a listing of all consultants is also provided.

Future Plans
e*ECAD will continue to provide value-added tools and services to customers through continued improvement and expansion of tools, vendors and support, as well as the business model as a whole. Please stay tuned for more and exciting activities taking place at the www.eecad.com website.

About e*ECAD
e*ECAD is the EDA industry's first and only provider of EDA tools utilizing an online pay-per-hour or pay-per-use model. eecad.com is a software portal that offers a variety of tools for creating tool flows to increase the speed of IC design time-to-market. Its unique purchase and delivery system provides an alternative solution to traditionally expensive and restrictive software licensing models. e*ECAD is committed to providing value to customers by offering high-quality tools with a pricing structure that makes them affordable.