CompuServe Thread

.My partner in our Sarasota office took a basic class in ACAD since we are preparing to computerize that office. His training did not yet include AEC. He then went to an American Institute of Architects seminar on CAD, where a number of software vendors were present for a 2 day overview. The ACAD rep was an Architect from Miami who, in my partner's words "was struggling to display the true capabilities of ACAD/AEC. Then, he went to look at the DataCAd, VersaCad, and ARRIS presentations. Whoops, ARRIS looked real good to him. I did my usual skeptic routine on him, expalining the marvels of ACAD/AEC. I visited him this weekend, however, and looked over what he had. In addition, we talked in detail about what he saw. I hate to say it, but many of the things, if not all, that I related to you in my wish list were available on ARRIS. . .Drawings separated into subdrawing files so that base drawings are readily available for others without duplication in a number of files. . .Layer naming choice based upon office standards. . .Extensive parametrics, including stair sections, window elevations, etc. . .User definable elements that retain their identity in the drawing data file, rather than via a ton of attributes in the drawings. . .A semblance of Autowindows via SCO Xenix. . .Associative elements that move along with their base element (a wall, with the doors, windows, dimensions, etc. moves ALL of them together). . .Dimensioning standards related to the way that Architects dimension. . .Stand alone or Networked useage. . .Comprehensive 3D modeling and desigm. . .Now, I don't want to leap before I look, so I would like to hear your comments, if any, before I go look at this package in more detail. It APPEARS, however, that ARRIS took ALL of ACAD/AEC's good ideas and added all of the things that Architects really need. I will, of course, reserve judgement until I have studied the matter carefully. IF they can back up all of their B.S. however, I would strongly suggest that you guys get these things moving. I will let you know what I find out even if you don't have any suggestions that I should take with me.