General | GOCAD 2008 Compatability | Technical & Integration | License Offerings | Learning & Training
General
1. What is Paradigm SKUA 2008 and who is it for?
Paradigm SKUA 2008 is a 3D modeling software environment for interpreters, geologists, and reservoir engineers that enables the rapid and accurate construction of structural and reservoir models. The SKUA technology eliminates the tedious and/or reductive modeling processes typically used to create the geology model through the use of a paleo-geographic coordinate system. Its easy-to-use approach honors all available, relevant data and geological rules to produce an accurate, paleo-geographically correct mesh in record time.
2. How does SKUA 2008 compare to GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2)?
SKUA 2008 differs from GOCAD 2008 in its reservoir modeling technology and how it handles structural modeling, objects and workflows. GOCAD 2008 is a 2.5D modeling engine where horizons and faults are modeled individually, and 3D reservoir grids are modeled using pillars. SKUA 2008, in contrast, provides a true 3D model where horizons, faults, and 3D grids are modeled using the new paleo-geographic UVT Transform™ technology. This technology enables simpler workflows to construct structural and reservoir models, streamlining the user interface and reducing user learning curve. SKUA 2008, in combination with the many compatible GOCAD 2008 modules, delivers a complete and superior solution for reservoir modeling and engineering.
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GOCAD 2008 Compatibility
3. Are all the Paradigm GOCAD 2008 modules compatible with Paradigm SKUA 2008?
Many, though not all, of the GOCAD 2008 modules are compatible with SKUA 2008. They include:
- 3D Viewer
- Foundation Modeling and Editing
- Map, Cross Section and Log Display
- Well Correlation and Stratigraphic Correlation
- Reservoir Data Analysis
- Reservoir Properties
- Object Modeling
- Production Data Loader
- LGR and Upscaler
- Production Data Analysis
- Reservoir Simulation Interface
4. Why are some Paradigm GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2) modules not available on Paradigm SKUA 2008?
Development and quality assurance work is required so that additional GOCAD modules can take advantage of the SKUA architecture.
5. Will all existing GOCAD modules eventually be compatible with Paradigm SKUA?
Yes, over time most, if not all, GOCAD modules will be ported to the SKUA architecture.
6. Is Paradigm SKUA replacing GOCAD?
Over time we expect that GOCAD customers will convert to the more advanced SKUA technology. However, software development on GOCAD is ongoing and perpetual licenses will be honored through maintenance mode.
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Technical & Integration
7. Can SKUA 2008 grids (geologic and simulation) be imported into other applications? If so, which ones and in what formats?
The SKUA 2008 geologic grid cannot be exported from SKUA or imported into other packages. The SKUA 2008 flow simulation grid can be exported using Eclipse ASCII, Eclipse Binary or Rescue formats. These formats are readable in other modeling applications such as Petrel or Roxar and can also be loaded standard flow simulation software products such as Eclipse or CMG.
8. I want to create an sgrid in SKUA 2008 and use it in GOCAD for Fracture Modeling (for example). Can I export that grid between SKUA and GOCAD, in SGrid, for example?
Yes, interoperability is enabled between SKUA 2008 and GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2). The SKUA flow simulation grid is an sgrid, and can be loaded in GOCAD as such, and used in other GOCAD modules such as Fracture Modeling.
9. Can I apply my company’s proprietary geostatistical algorithms onto the SKUA 2008 geologic grids?
Yes. Provided your company has 10 or more Paradigm SKUA 2008 Reservoir Architecture licenses, you can leverage the Paradigm SKUA 2008 Developer Kit to apply proprietary geostatistical algorithms onto the SKUA geologic grid. If these algorithms have been used already against the GOCAD sgrid, taking advantage of the new geologic grid can be relatively simple.
10. How easy is it to edit an interpretation in SKUA 2008?
It is very easy to ignore or remove some bad interpretation data (faults and horizons). Some editing and reinterpretation capabilities are available in this release, with plans to significantly enhance them in future releases.
11. Will OpenSpirit work with SKUA 2008? Or, must the data be imported into a GOCAD project, and then opened as a project in SKUA 2008?
OpenSpirit will not work with SKUA 2008. The data must be imported into a GOCAD project and then opened in SKUA. The OpenSpirit link is planned a future product release.
12. What are the current integration capabilities between SKUA 2008 and Paradigm Geolog 6.7?
The same level of integration between GOCAD 2008 and Geolog is also available between SKUA 2008 and Geolog. Paradigm is planning to extend this integration in the future.
13. What does Paradigm plan for the integration of SKUA and Epos?
Future integration of Paradigm SKUA (and Paradigm GOCAD) with Epos will close the classical gap between modeling and interpretation as well as facilitate workflows that validate reservoir interpretations, populate reservoir models, and consolidate a broad set of E&P data.
These workflows are enabled by new connectivity between the solutions allowing SKUA modelers to import "best-of-class" well, seismic, horizon, and fault data from Epos4 repositories.
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License Offerings
14. How do I license SKUA 2008?
SKUA 2008 Reservoir Architecture is the first solution available on the Paradigm SKUA modeling environment. SKUA 2008 Reservoir Architecture is the first solution on the Paradigm SKUA modeling environment. Paradigm subsurface solution experts are available to discuss your structural and reservoir modeling needs and purchase considerations. For sales information, please contact sales_info@pdgm.com; for technical Information, contact tech_info@pdgm.com.
15. How can I take advantage of my investment in GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2)?
If you already own GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2) Reservoir bundle (GOCAD Base, Stratigraphic Modeling and Fault Analysis, and 3D Reservoir Grid Builder modules), you have the advantage of “co-licensing” GOCAD and SKUA 2008 (four licenses each). This benefits you because: a) you can use both products for project work, albeit not simultaneously; b) a number of GOCAD modules are already compatible with SKUA 2008, eliminating the need to purchase the comparable SKUA 2008 modules in the near term; and c) you can take advantage of the enhancements to those GOCAD modules that result from SKUA development such as porting to new platforms, bug fixing and other improvements.
For co-licensing, Maintenance and Support must be current for both SKUA 2008 and the compatible GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2) modules.
16. Does the current GOCAD Maintenance and Support pricing remain the same for these compatible modules?
Yes, license prices and Maintenance and Support fees of these GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2) modules are unchanged. Compatibility with SKUA 2008 becomes a value-add.
17. If I have four GOCAD and four SKUA 2008 co-licenses, can I use all eight licenses at a time?
You can run just four licenses at a time because the SKUA 2008 architecture requires the GOCAD modules.
18. I have not maintained Maintenance and Support for my GOCAD Reservoir bundles, but want to co-license them with SKUA 2008. What is the best way to acquire the co-licenses?
To be eligible to co-license your GOCAD Reservoir bundle, you must first “catch up” (become current) on your GOCAD Maintenance and Support fees. If your Maintenance and Support lapse is over an extended period, a full license of SKUA 2008 Reservoir Architecture, with Maintenance and Support, may be more cost effective.
19. I am current on Maintenance and Support for my GOCAD modules, but still have three months until I need to renew. How can I co-license SKUA 2008 immediately?
First, all Maintenance and Support agreements are for a minimum duration of one year. Also, co-licensing GOCAD 2008 (2.5.2) and SKUA 2008 requires synchronization of the respective Maintenance and Support agreements. In order to synchronize a new SKUA 2008 Maintenance and Support agreement to your existing GOCAD Maintenance and Support agreement, it must be written to cover the required 1 year duration, plus an additional 3 months to match the time remaining on your GOCAD Maintenance and Support. Concurrently, your existing GOCAD Maintenance and Support agreement would be renewed for 1 year beyond its expiration date to match the expiration date of your SKUA Maintenance and Support. Thereafter, both Maintenance and Support agreements are synchronized and can be renewed on the same date.
20. Is co-licensing SKUA 2008 really my best option for preserving my investment in GOCAD?
Yes, for the short term you receive the advantages mentioned above. For the longer term, by maintaining GOCAD Maintenance and Support you retain the option to co-license GOCAD with Paradigm SKUA at any time for the established co-licensing fee, rather than for a full license. Support on GOCAD modules will continue into the future for at least another two years and possibly longer depending on customer demand.
21. What are the SKUA 2008 offerings and prices for academic clients?
No academic offering is available for Paradigm SKUA 2008, however, it is being considered for subsequent releases.
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Learning & Training
22. Is training available for SKUA 2008?
Yes, the Paradigm SKUA 2008 Fundamentals course is a one-day introductory offering for users who are new to Paradigm modeling technologies (GOCAD and SKUA). It must be complemented with the Paradigm SKUA Structure and Stratigraphy Modeling training.
The three-day Paradigm SKUA Structure and Stratigraphy Modeling training introduces users to the SKUA 2008 software environment and modules and includes several comprehensive case study exercises. This class is essential for learning the SKUA methodology and how it differs from pillar-based modeling/data issues and processes. Students will gain the needed proficiency to begin modeling on SKUA 2008 immediately. This class is an ideal transitional training for GOCAD power users.
A one-day, management-level (non-technical) introductory course is under development and will be available late 2008.
23. Are there any technical white papers available?
Yes. Please refer to the product website at http://www.pdgm.com/skua/products.aspx for the latest available resources on Paradigm SKUA.
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