SANTA ANA, CA -- A new user-driven website for creating, managing and sharing 2D and 3D component part and package data is up and running.

WikiComponents is now online with a select group of beta users. The company expects to add more beta users in the coming weeks.

Based on the popular "Wiki" concept, users can build up their own part libraries and share them freely with users around the world. Users include those involved
in PCB design, PCB assembly and test, as well as mechanical engineers and anyone requiring proper part dimensions and documentation.

WikiComponents features a framework for accommodating an unlimited community of users around the world who create, evaluate and improve its content.
"Several attempts at providing a universal library for the electronics industry have failed due to the massive resources required to enter the data, says founder Dino Ditta. "These costs must then be passed on to users in the form of high up-front costs or prohibitively expensive 'pay-per-part' fees to use the proprietary data. With WikiComponents, data entry is spread among a large circle of users. The result is that everybody benefits, in the form of nonproprietary data, cost savings and an open user policy."

Beta users will be providing feedback on the various aspects of component creation, the component rating system, evaluating existing
content and testing the various direct 2D and 3D outputs, including those to various CAD systems, IGES and CAMCAD Pro.

The company will working closely with standards committees such as IPC, JEDEC and the EEA for certification, Ditta said.

Ed.: See Mike Buetow's blog on WikiComponents.