We don’t have all the scoop yet but wanted to bring this to the attention of Mac architects in the US. The AIA Documents software in the next major version will be coming to the Web and will work with modern browsers across various platforms. We have learned of this from other sources and info on the AIA website. We have not yet spoken to anyone or seen this software first hand. We will be inquiring directly with the AIA very soon to get all the details.
For now however, this news should be pleasing to many of you.
Some Details We Know
The AIA website on AIA Documents says the next “generation of the AIA Contract Documents service will represent a significant innovation in accessibility, security, flexibility, affordability and ease of use for the design and construction industry.”
In terms of “accessibility”–an area Mac users have been concerned with deeply for nearly ten years now–the next version will work through the web and be equally accessible on either Mac or PC computers. If this means the new web-based application platform for AIA Documents works through Safari it may indeed work on an iPad as well, bringing another great tool directly the architect’s hands while away on travel or on the job site.
AECbytes.com remarks that the new AIA Documents will enable sharing and editing online among multiple parties–another excellent innovation for the software as a service (SaaS) platfrom. Apparently there will also be an online editor, the ability to compare documents side-by-side, a method of helping users pick the correct document for their needs and the ability to review and track changes. Lastly, there will be a way for digital signatures and the ability to save and print PDF finals of all documents. You can see a video of the new service on this YouTube video.
Users who are interested in beta testing this can sign up for alpha and beta level trials by contacting Young Chang, Director of Product at: youngchang@aia.org
The service is expected to be available later in the year with more details emerging in Fall of 2011.