SW and CATIA API's integrating into an application.

Hi all, 

I have been asked by a client to look into the possibility of allowing their own application to process native CAD files - SolidWorks and CATIA are two packages that they use. 

I believe that the Document Manager API for SolidWorks would allow this, if I am correct? They only need to access simple tessellated geometries - they are currently using STL files.

Does CATIA have a specific API too? I haven't been able to find anything definitive. Does it come with the software, or is it something that needs to be purchased separately?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

 

API