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(AFR) So the SMLib technology is essentially a geometry engine for calculating 3D models? It must be cross-platform as well -- which is why Spatial is important to the Mac, while Parasolids does not support the Mac? (RD) Yes, SMLib is cross-platform technology. (AFR) Now going back to AltiVec and rendering. Apple's decision to use OpenGL and make it AltiVec enabled seems good for the Macintosh in 3D. However, VectorWorks on the Mac has used QuickDraw 3D, which Apple is moving away from. How will you move forward without QuickDraw 3D technology on the Macintosh? (RD) We support OpenGL on Windows and currently QuickDraw 3D on the Mac. We think QuickDraw 3D is a good mature technology, better than OpenGL for our needs in general. Over the next year we will have an OpenGL VectorWorks version for the Mac.
(AFR) Have you Carbon-tested VectorWorks for Mac OS X? And are you working on a Mac OS X version? (RD) We have been a part of the testing for all OS versions and there will be no problem running VectorWorks natively on OS X. The switch to OS X is not going to affect users substantially; OS X is just another flavor of PowerPC. It will be less of a transition than 680x0 to PowerPC was in 1994. As for timing we are not sure. We are committed to do it as quickly as it is warranted. And we want to do it. (AFR) Going forward what do VectorWorks users have to look forward to? (RD) Well, VectorWorks 8.5 just went 'golden master' today and is imminent. That product will be shipping free to all registered users on CD-ROM. Later on in the next year we will have a version of VectorWorks which will address AutoCAD2000 file format import/export compatibility. That update will be free too, probably downloadable from our Internet site. We are members of the OpenDWG Alliance which has completed the work on the AutoCAD2000 DWG format compatibility toolkit (SDK). (AFR) When can we expect another major update to VectorWorks? (RD) Our product cycle is 12-24 months and we hope to have a major update later in 2000. (AFR) Can you tell us about your new 'vertical market' strategy? (RD) Yes, the first product, called VectorWorks ARCHITECT is in very late beta now and will be released by year's end. The first steps toward expanding our product line will include as many as six new vertical market products that work as extensions to VectorWorks. These new vertical market products extend VectorWorks' abilities for specific market segments. For instance, Eagle Point sets the standard for landscape architecture software. We are working at doing a landscape architecture add-on and will be looking to compete with Eagle Point at that level. (AFR) What other add-on products are in the works? (RD) A MEP [mechanical, electrical, plumbing] program is also in the works. Like VectorWorks ARCHITECT it will leverage the key strengths of VectorWorks for the MEP market and will allow you to integrate things according to AEC industry-wide standards. You can use the different products and they will work together. We will be providing add-ons for the structural architectural market as well. We are also looking at an exhibit design product, as VectorWorks is popular with exhibit designers. We would like to deliver a library of all of the possible objects out there that are supplied by vendors. (AFR) How does the VectorWorks ARCHITECT product work? .
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