Category: Functionality

VisualTao: CAD on demand

For the third time this month (following SolidWorks and CADaaS, 2 March, and BIMserver.org: right technology, right time?, 3 March), I return to one of my favourite topics: delivering computer-aided design (CAD) solutions on a Software-as-a-Service model. I received an email from someone at an Israeli business development group, Trendlines. My correspondent had read my …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/03/visualtao-cad-on-demand/

Return to the email argument

More than three years ago, I first wrote (The email argument) about the challenge of managing project-related email. Or, rather, I pointed out that some ‘extranet’ systems, such as [my employer] BIW’s, discourage use of email so that project communications are managed within a self-contained and easily auditable secure repository (see also The email argument …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/03/return-to-the-email-argument/

The power of collaboration in product development

A lot of my time is focused on how teams collaborate during design and construction of new buildings and other assets, and it is easy to forget that collaboration should extend throughout the supply chain, including the manufacturers of many of the components that are used in our projects. On his PLM and Profitability blog …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/03/the-power-of-collaboration-in-product-development/

BIMserver.org: right technology, right time?

David Harrison’s latest StressFree blog posting talks about BIMserver and the potential of server-side BIM. It is a fascinating post, describing how the University of Eindhoven-based BIMserver.org project combines building information modelling (BIM) software and open source server technologies, rather than being reliant upon workstation-based CAD software. And this is no blue-sky project – it …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/03/bimserverorg-right-technology-right-time/

MJ Medical: not unique

As well as retail, another UK market sector that is helping construction businesses survive the ravages of the current recession is the healthcare sector, buoyed – like education – by government investment. However, I don’t see the latest entrant to the design collaboration market place as a major player (at least not yet). A news …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/02/mj-medical-not-unique/

UK retail giant selects ICON

Since the late 1990s when Sainsbury’s paved the way with its landmark decision to pilot use of the BIW platform on a new supermarket in Clapham, UK retailers have been keen adopters and users of construction collaboration platforms, and have probably done more than any other sector to popularise their use. And with retail one …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/02/uk-retail-giant-selects-icon/

AECbytes writes on collaboration

Just a quick note for those interested in developments in the US collaboration market: AECbytes Lachmi Khemlani has just written about Collaboration, Project Management, and Project Information Management Solutions in AEC. The article looks at Newforma, Attolist and Cadac’s SharePoint-based Organice. Of the three, only Attolist is a genuine Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering.

Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/02/aecbytes-writes-on-collaboration/

Five SaaS myths debunked?

At ITPro, Nicole Kobie writes about Gartner’s warnings to businesses about Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). The IT analysts say firms need to take a good look at the delivery model before jumping aboard the bandwagon, despite the apparent attractions of the model during a recession (Gartner’s views also covered by Brian Tinham at Manufacturing Computer Solutions). Myth …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/02/five-saas-myths-debunked/

Out of the blue: LotusLive

About a year ago, I wrote a short post about IBM’s prototype Bluehouse product (see IBM targets SME collaboration with SaaS Bluehouse). Today at Public Service Events’ Construction Project Management ’09 conference at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, I had chance to get a quick update on latest iteration of that product from the team …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/02/out-of-the-blue-lotuslive/

BIM: All change, please

kalexo

In presentations and lectures about construction collaboration technologies, I identify building information modelling (BIM) as one of the key forces for change in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in the next five years. However, many UK professionals don’t seem to grasp just profound a communication change will be brought about by the introduction …

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Permanent link to this article: http://extranetevolution.com/2009/02/bim-all-change-please/

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