An exciting new chapter has begun for mechanical design at government agencies/contractors and highly regulated industries: cloud-native CAD. Onshape Government is a purpose-built version of Onshape, designed specifically to help meet the stringent compliance needs of U.S. federal and state agencies, defense contractors, and organizations working on regulated projects.
Built on the highly secure AWS GovCloud (US), Onshape Government enables streamlined collaboration and compliance with regulations such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
This is a significant breakthrough for teams that have been limited by traditional CAD systems or have had compliance challenges in the past. Now, the benefits of Onshape’s industry-leading, cloud-native CAD and PDM platform are accessible to a whole new segment of users.
Why Onshape Government?
For those unfamiliar, Onshape is a fully cloud-native CAD and PDM platform by PTC that allows teams to design, collaborate, and manage data in real time, all from a secure, browser-based environment.
This fundamentally transforms how distributed teams work on complex engineering and design projects, eliminating bottlenecks and IT headaches commonly associated with traditional file-based CAD systems.
Onshape’s built-in Product Data Management (PDM) enables real-time collaboration, automatic version tracking, and git-like branching and merging of designs. However, until now, a key challenge in adopting cloud-native technology for government projects was achieving compliance with U.S. regulations around Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), such as ITAR and EAR.
Onshape Government changes the game by providing a version of our platform specifically architected to meet these regulatory demands.
Built for the U.S. Government on AWS GovCloud
The foundation of Onshape Government is AWS GovCloud, a secure cloud infrastructure tailored to host sensitive data and regulated workloads while meeting strict government standards.
However, our work didn’t stop there. While AWS GovCloud ensures the underlying infrastructure’s compliance, PTC took extensive measures to align our internal processes and implementation with key regulatory requirements, such as ITAR and EAR.
Combining AWS GovCloud’s proven security capabilities with Onshape’s comprehensive compliance measures, we deliver a secure, cloud-native CAD solution that meets strict compliance obligations without the burden of extensive on-premises IT infrastructure. This means your teams can focus on what matters most: design.
A Commitment to Compliance and Security
For many government agencies and defense contractors, compliance isn’t just important – it’s non-negotiable. Onshape Government addresses this through several key features:
ITAR and EAR Compliance
Onshape Government was specifically designed to help organizations meet their compliance obligations under ITAR and EAR. This includes controlling access to sensitive design data and ensuring that only authorized U.S. persons can access critical systems and information. This happens on both the AWS side and with the PTC employees involved in development and support departments.
Advanced Security Controls and FIPS Validation
Onshape Government implements the highest standards of data security, including FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic algorithms, which are vital for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Our platform’s security controls and effective risk management strategies offer customers the confidence they need when handling sensitive or classified projects.
On the Horizon: FedRAMP and CMMC Alignment
PTC is actively pursuing FedRAMP Moderate Authorization, as well as alignment with CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) 2.0 standards. These initiatives demonstrate our ongoing commitment to meeting the rigorous cybersecurity demands of federal agencies and the Defense Industrial Base.
Simplifying Compliance Without Compromising Innovation
Traditional desktop CAD software often leaves customers responsible for complex compliance tasks, which can be both time-consuming and prone to risks.
Onshape Government alleviates this challenge by not only managing key compliance responsibilities within the platform itself, but also empowering agencies with robust analytical tools. This approach helps teams innovate faster and reduce costs while maintaining strict regulatory standards.
With Onshape Government’s built-in analytics, proving compliance is seamless. The platform includes comprehensive audit logs, IP location dashboards, and other advanced reporting features that provide real-time visibility into access patterns and data security. This allows agencies to demonstrate compliance with confidence, quickly identifying and addressing potential issues before they become risks.
By transitioning to a cloud-native, all-in-one solution, teams can focus on their projects rather than navigating infrastructure requirements or worrying about compliance breaches. This agility is a game-changer for organizations that have long been tied to legacy systems with cumbersome IT processes and outdated workflows.
A Bright Future for Government Design and Engineering
Onshape Government unlocks new potential for agencies and contractors who, until now, faced barriers to adopting cloud-native solutions due to compliance limitations.
With the launch of Onshape Government, organizations can now harness the power of the cloud to improve collaboration, be agile, and accelerate innovation – all while meeting the strict security and compliance requirements set by the U.S. government.
Ready to Learn More?
We’re excited to see how Onshape Government can help your organization innovate faster and more confidently than ever before. To learn more, visit our Onshape Government page.
Onshape Government
Eliminate bottlenecks and simplify compliance on
a cloud-native CAD & PDM platform built to meet
the needs of government agencies and contractors.