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(RD) This first new product adds a VectorWorks ARCHITECT "workspace" to VectorWorks. VectorWorks ARCHITECT will provide new files in its toolkits, new and better objects, new tools and menu items. VectorWorks ARCHITECT also has its own preferences. In essence what VectorWorks ARCHITECT does is go beyond the standard CAD package to allow an architect to more easily assemble standards for its office -- the type of work a CAD manager would do. (AFR) Does it take the place of a CAD manager? (RD) No. For the large office with a CAD manager, VectorWorks ARCHITECT provides them more power, makes it easier to setup standards that work with AEC industry-wide standards, and helps them to setup customization easier for the entire office. In short, it provides them more power by providing industry focused tools and solutions. We have teams for each specialty product who know these markets, what the demands are, and are motivated to listen to end users and be flexible about creating these programs to help professionals be more productive. (AFR) The Internet is becoming very important to AEC professionals. Will there be an Internet integration product soon? Or Internet-integration with VectorWorks? (RD) We are looking at the Internet very seriously, including the use of viewing CAD files online. We are studying what users really want. And we think a good plan is to figure that out first and execute it a little later. For instance, it is unclear what people want in terms of using plug-in technologies. We think the QuickTime 3D file format is far better than VRML format, and so we are studying that. Another thing we are looking at is supporting Adobe PDF output. These are not out of the question technically, very doable.
(AFR) Is Diehl Graphsoft involved with Bentley's aecXML initiative for Web-based document information sharing? (RD) No. (AFR) As a developer firm committed to the Macintosh platform, where do you see the Mac platform going in AEC? (RD) Well, it certainly has been growing for us. The new G4 machines are fantastic; Apple's new products, including the iMac, are all great new products. In terms of marketing, once again, Microsoft isn't marketing in the AEC arena, either is Apple. Making extremely good machines and supporting OpenGL directly affects the Mac CAD industry for the better. Short of that, Apple would have to get directly involved in the marketing in AEC to do any better. (AFR) So Apple's future in AEC looks positive? (RD) Absolutely. (AFR) Mr. Diehl, thank you for taking the time to talk to us at Architosh and to share your knowledge of the industry and news of your company's upcoming products with our readers. VectorWorks ARCHITECT certainly sounds like a great new application and I am personally looking forward to it. (RD) You're welcome. And thank you very much.
About the Interviewer Anthony Frausto-Robledo, B.Arch., is the founder, publisher, and editor of the award-winning Architosh Web site. Educated as an architect, he has been an AEC professional for over 15 years and has been a designer with distinguished Boston architectural firms prior to launching his firm BritasMedia. As president of BritasMedia, Anthony consults AEC firms on design, Web and IT-design related issues in addition to publishing the Architosh site daily. He has been a member of the Thesis Studio and History & Theory faculty at the Boston Architectural Center College of Architecture and Interior Design since 1997. BritasMedia's mission with the Architosh Website is to again establish the Apple Macintosh platform as the premier worldwide leading computer system for technical design professionals.
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