CompuServe Messages

There is a file somewhere in the libraries here that does an early comparison between CDK and WTK. Perhaps Jonas could point us to it, I have forgotten where it is myself, but as I recall it had the name of both in the title (i.e. CDKWTK.zip or something like that). The big advantage of CDK is the interface to the other Autodesk products. No one else is doing a very tight job of it. If you wish to interact with either AutoCAD or 3D Studio, CDK has more to offer beyond just loading in DXF files. Sense8 is a very seasoned and proven product, while CDK is still trying to come into its own. I do remember when there was only BETA versions available from Sense8 a few years ago as well though. It takes a couple of versions to grow up, I think… Sense8 has great technical support. Since so few of the other CDK dealers knew how to use it, we have generally fielded most of the tech support issues so far (at least it seems so to me from the number of angy/frustrated calls) as Autodesk does not offer direct tech support for end users. We generally helped anyone get CDK up and compiling the demos at no charge, but beyond that we have to offer tech support contracts to maintain the ability to help new CDK developers. However, that is changing now with the entrance of Ithaca Software to the picture. They are now in charge of such things I believe so it should improve drastically I am told. They should be able to offer much more support than the other CDK dealers could and I believe the plan is to do so through the existing dealer channel. This means that any CDK dealer should be able to get you some answers by using our new 'Ithaca' dealer resource. This is a good thing. The more people that get support, the better for CDK as a whole, which is what Autodesk is trying to nurture. I would not tell you that CDK is 100% the best choice available, as it really depends of what you plan to do with it. If integrating with Autodesk is important, CDK is a better choice, in my opinion. Also, I believe that CDK has more higher level physics calls that Sense8, but I haven't kept up with the latest releases of WTK so if anyone has a different opinion on that point, I would like to learn about it. That is still my understanding. Not to sound too wishy washy, I must say however, that the folks at Sense8 are great developers and have an excellent product. It does not require C++ or such a high level platform for development as CDK either. Some argue this is good, some say it is bad. I think it depends on the application desired as the end product and what your resources are. We would be happy to talk more about providing CDK or WTK or any information that could help you in what you are planning to do. Just drop me a line and let me know how to get in touch or call me at (904) 376-1529, or email micgreen@freenet.ufl.edu, or Cserve mail. We are in the midst of moving our office this month so leave voice mail or Cserve mail if you can't get directly through to me. I hope this helps a little bit. Angela Pate