Alias debuts Maya 6, parts from SGI

Post, May, 2004 by Marc Loftus

TORONTO -- Alias (www.alias.com) showed the latest version of its Maya animation tool at the recent NAB show. Maya 6 is what the company calls a customer-driven release, incorporating many new features that came as requests from its installed base. The new version of Maya is now available.

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The release focuses on a number of core points, including enhancements for character animation and the ability to scale to meet the needs of next-generation productions. Integration with popular tools such as Adobe Photoshop has also been added, allowing users to read and write PSD files. Rendering has been improved through Mental Ray as well.

The new release also includes considerable advancements in hair creation. Pricing for Version 6 will follow previous structures: $1,999 for Maya Complete and $6,999 for Maya Unlimited.

In related news, Menlo Park, CA's Accel-KKR, a technology-focused private equity firm, has entered into an agreement with SGI to acquire Alias. Accel-KKR will purchase the company from SGI for $57.5 million.

"This exciting new partnership enables Alias to enhance its position as the innovation leader in 3D software," adds Alias president Doug Walker. The sale is expected to close this quarter.