Since the closing of CAE Presagis company and discontinuation of STAGE product and support by them (even though it has changed hands), all the existing customers had to face a need of an alternative, a plan B or a drastic move to another solution.

Those who have STAGE nested into heavy and long term projects may be worried but not impacted too much since the replacement of STAGE SIM will be too costly and error prone. They will carry on with their permanent license. User Modules and scripts cannot be simply moved to another solution. There is no cut & paste and competitors who promise these migrations are only eager to sign long and expensive consultation bills.

Those with a new project and in need of a simulation SDK or a scenario generation tool will have to consider using another tool or maybe homemade solutions. New solutions are always refreshing.

From my long experience with STAGE as a programmer first, then expert consultant, I realized that majority of customers are mainly using the real-time controller, the mapping, the trajectories, the platforms dynamics models and the sensors (all basics) while adding some scripts and C code user-modules. Considering the price of the SDK and the runtime license, it is for those who don’t have a budget problem.

On its side, vsTASKER is a light, affordable simulation SDK. It does provide out of the box what majority of sandbox users are expecting from a scenario editor, but with main advantages: the visual coding interface and an affordable price. While competition is offering predefined tasks or black-boxes doctrines, vsTASKER let users define graphically behaviors and place the code where it make sense. Easy to develop, easy to fix, easy to trace and maintain.

Since the size of the software vendor no more guarantee sustainability of its products, it may be time to try another mature solution, lighter and more customizable than the market heavyweights, even though they are good products, frankly speaking. BMW and Mercedes are great cars for those who can afford it. But, on the streets, you’ll find mostly ordinary, affordable vehicles. To go from A to B, all will do. You to decide if you want to put your money on a luxury car, and starve, or save money for things which matter.

Buy a product, not a brand: ask now for price and demo. No commitment.