I worked on a large to-UNIX migration using Mainsoft long ago. It was amazing how complete their win32 solution was, but it all felt so wrong. Using cross platform libraries from the get-go and NOT relying on single platform architectural components (like COM) is ultimately a better way to go.
After Avid acquired Softimage 3D from Microsoft, the next version, coined Softimage XSI, had a Linux version available through MainWin. It was diabolical. But it limped on; over the years maintaining an extremely tight version range of external library dependencies. Last version I used required Fedora 7 x64, a minor-version specific driver for FireGL/Quadro that just so happen to be on the CD that came with the HP XW workstation. Bite the head off a chicken, and boil snails with lizard tails, let it cool to room temperature, re-boil and simmer throughout use of softimage.
Softimage is now declared dead by their current owners, Autodesk.
