Initial graphics exchange specification: Successes and evolution

The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) arrived on the CAD/CAM stage in late 1979 and has enjoyed substantial attention from a broad set of users and implementors since. As the term initial reflected, the first release was only a beginning and IGES continues to be an active organization, as well as an evolving CAD/CAM specification. This paper reviews some of the key events and efforts of the IGES community in furthering the quality and scope of this important interface standard.