PROJECT COLLABORATION
Adobe Systems has launched Adobe Acrobat Connect, a hosted web conferencing service. The US $39 per month service is “always on” and requires little more than a web browser and the Adobe Flash Player. It accommodates 15 participants and incorporates whiteboarding, chat, video and audio.
Adobe is also producing the Adobe LiveCycle Policy Server 7.2, an enterprise rights management (ERM) tool for protecting and controlling documents throughout their lifecycle. www.adobe.com
CIVIL
The Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 Extension for Google Earth Technology is designed specifically for civil engineers and surveyors. Using a wizard-driven interface, the user can publish intelligent Civil 3D objects and metadata directly to Google Earth in seconds, including points, parcels, alignments, corridor models, surfaces and hydraulic networks. The tool is useful for making high-impact presentations.
Autodesk has also set up a Civil Engineering Community web site for users. http://usa.autodesk.com
Bentley OnSite is civil engineering software that streamlines and automates tasks for stakeout, inspection and measurement at the construction site. The software works in concert with industry-standard global positioning system (GPS) hardware and runs on portable devices. It can be used for compiling as-built data then used to make quick design changes in the field. www.bentley.com
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Canam Canada has launched its eighth free software tool available from the internet. The latest is for designing joist girder connections. www.canam.ws/connections
Structural Office 7.0 S-Frame by Softek Services of Richmond, B.C. has a clone tool for quickly generating large repetitive structures, and dramatically enhanced analysis speed, especially for large models with rigid diaphragms. www.s-frame.com
ENERGY ANALYSIS
Energy Analyzer software is a DesignTool from McQuay International to help engineers determine the most efficient HVAC system to meet budget requirements. Outputs show energy used by each building component based on climate, building properties, usage, space conditions, etc. www.mcquay.com
PRINTERS
The HP Designjet 4500 printer series has a large input and output capacity, with two rolls to allow for different media types or sizes. Capable of flattening and stacking up to 200 plots, it produces CAD prints with 5-mm margins so there’s no need for trimming. Images can be 2400 x 1200 dpi and 0.1% line accuracy. www.hp.com
INDUSTRIAL
PV Elite Version 2007 from Coade is an enhanced edition of its integrated vessel design and stress analysis software. The new release has the latest ASME codes, plus features such as built-in computation of maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for both sides of heat exchangers. www.coade.com
