Sketchup isn't the only company Trimble has acquired

Trimble isn't new to purchasing companies. In fact, I have found 9 companies that Trimble has acquired within the last decade. If we look at how they have invested into companies they have absorbed over the years, perhaps we can predict similar results with the latest news of them purchasing Sketchup from Google.

Companies recently purchased by Trimble

• Meridian Systems : Acquired in 2006 -

  Meridian Systems is a software company that is most notable for it's Prolog construction management program. It has become the AEC industry standard for companies with more than $101 million in revenue. Prolog helps manage construction projects from the design phase, all the way to close out. Official Trimble news release
  
  
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  PeopleNet : Acquired in 2011 -

  PeopleNet specializes in providing solutions for fleet management. They have developed systems that allow trucking companies to more effectively communicate and coordinate their drivers, helping them save fuel and time.  Official Trimble news release
  

• Tekla : Acquired in 2011 - 

  Tekla is a BIM (Building Information Modeling) software company. BIM is 3D modeling that goes beyond just representing the physical characteristics of a building. BIM models can have attributes assigned to the different parts of the model allowing the designers to assess the cost, and characteristics of the building. It is a "smart model" so to speak. It is a powerful tool that has been gaining momentum with the ever increasing processing power of computers.
  
  There is debate whether Sketchup could be considered a BIM tool.
  
  I wonder how Trimble will apply resources from Tekla into the development of Sketchup? Tekla has a free BIM collaboration program called Tekla BIMSight, which can be used in conjunction with Trimble's construction tablet computer. Official Trimble news release

• Ashtech : Acquired in 2011 -

  Ashtech creates hardware and software solutions for engineers and surveyors in the construction industry. Ashtech's technology aligns with Trimble's existing Spectra product line, and is the creator of BLADE technology and the MobileMapper® series of products. Official Trimble news release 

• StruCAD :  Acquired in 2012 -

  StruCAD is a 3D modeling program for designing structural steel components for steel detailers and fabricators. Trimble purchased StruCAD and StruEngineer from AceCAD to expand on their Tekla software products. Official Trimble news release
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  Quickpen : Acquired in 2009 - 

  Quickpen is a software company that specializes in solutions for mechanical and sheetmetal contractors. They offer a variety of products from estimating software to 3D CAD software for ductwork. Official Trimble news release
  

• Gatewing : Acquired in April, 2012 -

  Gatewing is the producer of the X100 UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) used for aerial image acquisition for mapping applications. That's right. They make an airplane that can fly itself over an area in order to take high resolution pictures and data for creating maps. Official Trimble news release
  

  Check out this interview with Trimble prior to their purchase of Sketchup

• Applanix : Acquired in 2003 -

  Applanix is the creator of mobile mapping products and solutions. The company's "Position and Orientation Systems" (POS ™) is now the industry standard for airborne, land, and marine survey applications. Official Trimble news release

• MyTopo :Acquired in 2011 -

  Mytopo was a leading provider of print and digital maps for the outdoor enthusiast. When Trimble purchased them, they were able to expand their existing Trimble Outdoors platform which provides excellent trail maps and topographical maps. Official Trimble news release 

No stranger to 3D modeling 

As you can see, Trimble is no stranger to 3D modeling.This is great news for fans of Sketchup. With concerns over what Trimble has planned, it seems evident that they are looking to expand on an existing market they already have plenty of experience in. Their extensive knowledge in the construction industry will certainly add value to any investment they make into the further development of Sketchup.

I think from this list it's safe to say Sketchup is in good hands, for sure.