Gehry Technologies Acquires Bimshare

Gehry Technologies (GT), a global leader in applying technology to the building industry, this week announced its acquisition of Bimshare, an innovative, privately-held company based in the Netherlands. On the heels of launching its 3D collaboration platform, GTeam, Gehry Technologies is expanding its cloud-based service offerings with this acquisition.

Bimshare offers a popular building information modeling (BIM) data sharing solution that provides the easiest way to upload and share 3D models online through browsers on desktop and mobile devices.

The SaaS solution enables architects, building owners, contractors and fabricators to quickly and securely share BIM data on demand.

“Collaboration and mobile platforms are poised to make a revolutionary impact at the construction site and within facilities management departments,” said Deep Bhattacharya, EVP of Business Development and Strategy of GT.  “However, there are no compelling solutions available today that allow open, easy access to BIM data for design, construction and facilities management professionals.  This acquisition complements our field-tested collaboration technology, and provides a definitive path to mobile platforms.”

01 - Bimshare has been acquired by Gehry Technologies. The SaaS product itself is actually in beta form but functioning for teams now. Bimshare works on any modern web browser--including Safari--and is highly standards based around HTML5 and WebGL.

Through this agreement GT also extends its international presence and strengthens is web development expertise in WebGL, HTML5 and other advanced technologies critical to the widespread product adoption of desktop, tablets and other mobile devices. “We have quickly gained customer traction from Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms of all sizes with our easy to use 3D sharing solution,” said Sven van der Biezen, CEO and co-founder of Bimshare. “Gehry Technologies is a brand that’s respected and recognized worldwide with a unique standing in the AEC industry that positions them for rapid growth in a large market.”

Bimshare is currently in beta and includes many of the same abilities as GTeam. However, the application is presented as a simplified version of BIM model sharing and viewing. The interface is attractive and simple and the pricing is modest. To learn more about Bimshare go here.

To learn more about GTeam visit them online here.

Architosh Analysis

We think this was a very smart move on Gehry Technologies’ part. Bimshare instantly gives the company a broader platform spectrum for cloud-based BIM collaboration. The reality is that although GTeam is planned to have full platform parity across both Windows, Macs and mobile devices, it is not today a present reality. Mac parity with Windows in particular is a desktop-to-desktop parity issue and Bimshare today offers that.

Interestingly, in talking to Gehry Technologies, we also know their pricing model for GTeam is currently being worked out. Bimshare may point to how the company may model its GTeam pricing or factor into the overall company’s offerings as part of a pricing spectrum.