I'd say that you were not on the site when this was announced...
As far as I can remember, SL, SM and SMax are going to join forces, there are plans to include other software including zBRush, Photoshop to mention only 2.
The original post (if I ever find it) details why and how Dave and the crew plan to do it.
Yipee, after 2 ins ceasless searching I found it ...
https://forum.simplymaya.com/showthre...highlight=Site
For more details
Chris (formerly R@nSiD)
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Winner SM VFX Challenge 1
3rd Place SM SteamPunk Challenge (May 2007)