This paper outlines past and present issues related to product data management (PDM) technologies and their implementation within organization. Included are the results from interviews with representatives from ten companies regarding their implementation processes related to PDM and PLM technologies. Results from these interviews are detailed in aggregate form related to four different areas: implementation timelines and mitigating factors, chosen PLM toolsets, data archival and migration strategies, and training. Conclusions are made in the final sections relative to industry implications and graphics curricula within a larger body of technology education. (Contains 1 table.)