OrCAD and Allegro are Cadence Design Systems' software packages for designing and analysing printed circuit boards (PCBs). OrCAD targets designers and small teams and, according to Cadence, is mainly sold through resellers. Allegro is the platform for more complex board and package designs, including signal and power integrity analysis through the integrated Sigrity tools. The newer editions are called OrCAD X and Allegro X and add automated placement and routing. The programs are installed on the customer's own systems and are generally used under time-based licences.
Cadence is a listed US company headquartered in San Jose, California, and therefore falls under US jurisdiction. Because this is installed design software, design files remain on your own systems and storage by default; Cadence states that its software is delivered electronically, including through the cloud. For a European organisation, the relevant points are licence terms, export restrictions and dependence on a US supplier for critical design data.