Safe Software unveils FME updates for secure API & AR digital twins

Safe Software has introduced new updates to its FME platform, including FME Data Virtualization and FME Realize, aimed at enhancing data integration and delivering digital twin capabilities.

FME Data Virtualization is designed to allow organisations to create secure, OpenAPI-compliant REST APIs directly on top of any system or data source supported by FME. The feature enables users to deploy query-ready API endpoints without the need for extensive programming or additional IT infrastructure.

The company stated that the new tool streamlines access to real-time data across enterprise systems by allowing application builders and AI tools to interact directly with data. The feature is now available in beta for FME platform customers.

Don Murray, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Safe Software, commented on the development by saying, "FME Data Virtualization allows organisations to expose secure APIs on top of their existing systems - without needing to replicate data or manage new infrastructure. This isn't just about speed - it's about putting power and control in the hands of data teams, developers, and architects so they can deliver faster, safer, and smarter data services."

The solution operates as a native part of FME's no-code integration environment. This approach removes the need for separate API gateways or shadow databases, enabling users to design, deploy and manage APIs where they already work with data transformation and integration.

FME Data Virtualization supports spatial data, IoT, cloud platforms, and a variety of business systems, allowing organisations to provide real-time access to data for use in custom applications, partner portals, and AI platforms.

The company listed several key benefits of FME Data Virtualization. These include live access to data sources without data duplication, enabling AI-ready OpenAPI endpoints, built-in governance through filters and permissions, and facilitating quicker API development without custom scripts.

Use cases for the technology involve AI agents securely querying internal systems, expedited internal application development with stable API endpoints, and streamlined data sharing with partners or regulators via open standards.

Early testing has highlighted the tool's potential, with Todd Davis, Technical Director at Abley, stating, "We have always needed to explain to other developers, methods for them to run FME workflows, but with Data Virtualization, that all ends. They get to run FME like any other API and we get to still build workflows like we always have. That learning barrier is gone and we can all work seamlessly."

FME Data Virtualization is designed for technical users across industries, including enterprise architects, data engineers, and developers. Features like support for synchronous and asynchronous endpoints and integration into existing workflows are intended to improve agility and governance in API creation.

In addition to data virtualisation, Safe Software announced the release of FME Realize, a spatial computing solution intended for field workers to access digital twins and AR tools directly from their iOS devices. The feature extends the FME platform's spatial data capabilities and is now available to FME Flow users at no additional cost.

The company said FME Realize provides visualisation, update, and interaction with digital twins in real time, helping field staff such as city and utility workers, and site engineers to view infrastructure asset data within context.

Don Murray remarked on the tool's intent, stating, "FME Realize is a first-of-its-kind solution that brings the power of all data to the field, where up-to-date access matters most. FME Realize leverages FME workflows using all data types and any AI, so users can interact with any data, including digital twins to take action, and make smarter decisions on-site, in real time, from any device."

The solution is built to enable real-time editing of data and the ability to invoke AI agents for on-demand analysis and insights. Users can also update digital twin data based on site assessments.

TJ Stokes, Transportation Practice Leader at T. Baker Smith, commented on their pilot experience with FME Realize: "As a leader in our transportation discipline, T. Baker Smith piloted this cutting-edge AR solution and saw transformative results. By visualising subsurface utilities and infrastructure in 3D, we improved collaboration across survey, inspection, and design teams, reducing rework, enhancing safety, and accelerating decision-making. AR-enabled plan-in-hand meetings brought clarity to complex projects, helping us avoid delays and spot potential conflicts early. It's more than a helpful tool; it's a smart investment that reshapes how infrastructure projects are delivered."

FME Realize allows users to interact with up-to-date spatial data, including 3D models of infrastructure assets such as water pipes and electrical networks, and modify the information in real time.