Global BIM and design software provider, Vectorworks, Inc., is fortifying its leadership position in the entertainment industry with the pending acquisition of connectCAD, a systems design solution geared for the audiovisual (AV) industry.
What connectCAD Offers
Since 2009, connectCAD has been offered as a plugin for Vectorworks software, turning the popular CAD/BIM software package into a full-fledged CAD system aimed at helping broadcast, AV, lighting, IT (information technology), and any other type of connected system professional develop sophisticated networking, layouts, and cable lists that match the completed cabling architecture.
Focused primarily on AV professionals needing complex and coordinated documentation, connectCAD is popular in industry segments serving exhibitions, casinos, conferences, churches, staging events, theme parks, IT and telecom infrastructure, as well as broadcast systems. Additionally, anyone involved in design, installation, and connection of electrical and electronic systems can benefit from the powerful combination of connectCAD and Vectorworks.
connectCAD is currently a powerful plugin for AV professionals on the Vectorworks platform. Once the acquisition is complete it will become a C++ add-on module with greater performance.
“connectCAD has been a great partner product for Vectorworks over the years and has gradually built a product for Vectorworks that creates a powerful, yet intuitive interface for generating audiovisual system designs and reports,” said Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar. “In response to the growing audio needs for our customers, connectCAD was an obvious choice because it’s a high-quality product that naturally extends our AV capabilities for our users.”
As part of the pending acquisition, connectCAD Founder, Managing Director and Programmer for the tools, Conrad Preen will be committing to a minimum of two years with Vectorworks to continue the development of connectCAD.
“Part of the Vectorworks family, connectCAD is poised to enter a new era and will be able to realize its true potential,” said Preen. “We’re looking forward to introducing many new features in the coming years with the expertise of Vectorworks engineers fine-tuning our existing features. As in human enterprise, teamwork is the key to great results, and I can think of no better team than Vectorworks.”
Moving from Vectorscript to C++
connectCAD has been developed using Vectorscript and the first order of business will be to convert all Vectorscript tools and commands to C++ using the Vectorworks SDK, thus enhancing the performance of the connectCAD plugin.
This task will turn the plugin into a C++ based add-on module for Vectorworks Spotlight or Designer (the total complete Vectorworks package), first in English and German. Completion of the first phase will be during the Vectorworks 2020 version cycle.
On Display at InfoComm 2019
Beginning June 12 through June 14, connectCAD will be on display in Orlando, FL at InfoComm 2019, which is deemed the audiovisual and integrated experience event. To learn more about the pending acquisition and technology, visit the Vectorworks booth #7672.
To purchase or learn more about connectCAD, visit connectcad.com.