Archway Recent News Page

VersaCAD 2008 Released!
VersaCAD 2008 for Windows released on October 1, 2008 after two years in development. One of the hardest things to do in software development is to change the database file format for a legacy system. VersaCAD has been under development for nearly 30 years. The new release is based on an extensible XML file format so it will never have to be changed again. XML is the ultimate in openness and interoperability. VersaCAD 2008 for Windows is being shipped to current subscribers to Premium Service and is available for purchase.

Upcoming Events:

Oct 2	GC Workshop	Online
Oct 14	Civil software update	San Bernardino Hilton Hotel
Nov 2	GC Workshop	Online
Nov 13-15	Land Development West	Los Angeles

New VersaCAD Easy Install
An amazing amount of content was added to VersaCAD over the past couple of releases. But, when we talk with users, we are disappointed that so few are taking advantage. VersaCAD 2008 now includes a separate install procedure that will semi-automatically install a lot of the extras, ie the 100 beautiful fonts, the proper symbol libraries for the user’s discipline taken from the 700 symbols available, and more. By the way, the VersaCAD Explorer makes getting at those symbols the easiest of any CAD software on the market. VersaCAD Explorer also makes getting at drawings easy and quick.. If you haven't modified fonts, libraries, or menus, you will want to install from the semi-automatic method.

Synchronous Technology
Reports from mechanical designers who are early users of Solid Edge ST show productivity gains of 10 to 1 or more when compared to conventional, history-based solid modeling. VersaCAD geometry is easily imported into Solid Edge ST. Archway is offering special pric-ing for users of competitive software. Call Rick Plummer, 714 374 0440, for a free demo or quote. Training available at Archway Nov 10-13

MicroStation Users Meetings
For VersaCAD users that also have MicroStation, please be sure to attend the next LA, Orange County or San Diego users meeting. Enjoy snacks, networking with colleagues and an update on the latest in MicroStation. Click on this link for dates, location, and agenda www.la-ocmug.com:

Oct 7	NTD/Stichler	Glendora
Oct 9	Orange Coast Coll	Costa Mesa

Did You Know?
The longest pedestrian bridge without intermediate supports was drawn using VersaCAD. The bridge between Weil-am-Rhein and Huningue in Germany was finished in 2007. It was designed using VersaCAD software.

Who's Who at Archway Systems

Arlene Black	Administration and sales
Tom Lazear	Administration, sales and training
George McMeans	Sales and training in Nor. Cal.
Mike Lazear	Programming and support
Phill Frye	Training & consulting
Rick Plummer	Consulting and sales
Greg Hamano	Training & Support
Josh Lazear	Webmaster, Z Support and programming
Sandy Lazear	Accounting
Linda Grubb	Support and administration
Daniel Lazear	Programming
Chris Grubb	Civil Engineering software support
Shannon Lazear	Marketing

REPORT

VersaCAD for Windows 2008

VersaCAD, Versatile Computer Aided Design, software for Windows has a brand new XML based file format, increased compatibility with Windows, increased capacity, increased compatibility with AutoCAD, and some impressive new features.

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is an industry standard for application file formats. The basic idea is to give the owners of the data control of the data, rather than the software publisher having the user locked in. Notice that all the new Microsoft Office applications have a new file format with an "x" added. For example, Microsoft Word 2007 has format with extension .docx rather than the old .doc Excel has .xlsx rather than .xls etc.

VersaCAD's new file format extension is .2dx rather than the older .2d New VersaCAD library files, have .2dlx . Of course, VersaCAD 2008 will be able to read any older file format and can save back to .2d format.

VersaCAD 2008 is tuned to run with Windows Vista while maintaining compatibility with Windows XP, and Windows 2000 . VersaCAD 2008 still has a tiny footprint compared to contemporaries and so can run on computers with smaller memory. A good rule is: if Windows runs, then VersaCAD runs. Of course, bigger memory, larger screens and faster processors are always welcome. Those dealing with large files will want 1GB or more of memory

VersaCAD capacity has been increased to the point that it is now only limited by the size of your computer. We have processed drawings with over half million objects. While not all users of VersaCAD ran into the old limit of 65,000 objects, many users ran into the problem while trying to convert AutoCAD files into VersaCAD format. AutoCAD files had to be split and converted in chunks. That problem is a thing of the past. We have not been able to find an AutoCAD file so large that it can't be converted as one.

AutoCAD compatibility has been vastly improved in more ways than one. Certainly the increased capacity is the chief benefit, but, the translator has been improved not only by incorporating the latest from Open Design, which now includes release 2007, 2008 and 2009, but, also by now including many later AutoCAD entities that previously were ignored. We know these improvements will save us all lots of time and tremendously improve interoperability.

New features inside VersaCAD include: Recent-files on File menu, Nested Symbols, improved grid, built-in 100 fonts, new organization of symbol libraries by discipline, and much more.

All these changes have been made while still preserving the API for applications so no changes required. Also, VersaCAD's single keystroke command entry which yields the shortest learning curve and maximum CAD productivity for any discipline.

VersaCAD 2008 is available now for purchase. Price is unchanged at $795 per license ($195 for academic use). Existing subscribers of Premium Service will be sent the new release by October 1. If your Premium Service has expired, this is an excellent time to renew as you will not only get the VersaCAD 2008 for Windows, but, an additional release planned in the next 12 months. The price of Premium Service hasn't increased in 10 years. It may be about time, but, if you renew now your price is the same: $595 for the first license you own. If you own more than one license, the added cost for each additional license is just $200. If you would like to convert to an unlimited corporate license the cost starts at $1000 per year for small companies on up to $3000 per year for the largest companies. For academic, the unlimited campus license is still a bargain at $595 per year.

Training Class Schedule
Archway offers a variety of training classes using the latest of each software. All classes use certified materials and are held from 8:30AM to 5PM. Locations: Huntington Beach training center (HB) and S.F. Bay area (BA). Plus, some open enrollment classes are now taught at the training centers at LADWP and at the Port of Long Beach. Classes can be delivered on-site and online. Call or email Archway for the latest class schedule. For the latest Bentley courses, see also: http://www.bentley.com/en-us/training/
Upcoming open enrollment classes:
VersaCAD Update- All the additions to VersaCAD since 2004. This one day class will increase productivity. Cost is $250. HB 10/10, 10/24, 11/10, 12/1
MicroStation Essentials XM- All the basics of MicroStation V8 XM Edition. This 4-day class is basic for new users. Cost is $1440. HB: 9/30 to 10/3;11/4 to 11/7. BA: 10/14 to 10/17; 11/17 to 11/20, 12/8 to 12/11 at LADWP: 9/29 to 10/2; 10/20 to 10/23; 10/27 to 10/30
InRoads Survey XM- This is a Bentley certified, 2-day class using Bentley's InRoads 8.9 training manual. Cost is $900, which includes course book and instruction. HB: 12/4 to 12/5
InRoads Site Basics- This is a Bentley certified, 3-day class using Bentley's InRoads 8.9 training manual. Cost is $1360, which includes course book and instruction. HB: 10/7 to 10/9
InRoads Fundamentals XM- This is a Bentley certified, 3-day class using Bentley's InRoads 8.9 training manual. Cost is $1350, which includes course book and instruction. HB: 12/29 to 12/31
STADD.Pro Standard- Introduction to FEM. Cost is $1500. HB: TBDSTADD.Pro Standard-Introduction to FEM. Cost is $1500. HB: TBD
Bentley Architecture- Introduction to 3D building modeling with Bentley Architecture Cost $1000 HB: 10/21 to 10/22; 12/16 to 12/17
Everything 3D- Learn how to design in 3D using MicroStation¡¦s surface and solid modeling capability. Cost is $1350. HB: 10/14 to 10/16
Rhino Level I- Learn to make 3D NURBs models. Cost is $695 (Discounts available for educators). HB: TBD
Dealing with Caltrans- Learn Caltrans standards. Includes Iplot, workplaces and more. 2-day class. Cost is $1500. HB: TBD BA: TBD
Generative Components- Learn elements of parametric design with GC. HB: Cost $1550 11/11 to 11/13
Water Modeling Hec-RAS- Fundamentals of water modeling using Hec-RAS. Cost is $2500. HB: 11/17-11/21
Solid Edge ST-Fundamentals- Cost is $1600 11/10-13

Anthony Frausto on VersaCAD
In a recent interview, Anthony Frausto, industry expert on use of Macs in CAD, had this to say about VersaCAD for Mac:
"2D is a weakness in 3D systems and besides, not all work requires 3D. VersaCAD plays an important part in supplementing 3D systems or as the proper tool for 2D work. VersaCAD has had a glorious history since first introduction, time tested by creative designers in disciplines including: architectural layout, store planning, mechanical designs, schematics and even design of Macadamia Nut processing plants in Hawaii. Quite a few users of high end expensive software like AutoCAD do work that VersaCAD can handle. In fact, more quickly, more productively and at far less cost. Using Google’s SketchUp for 3D conceptual work and VersaCAD Mac for production design drafting makes a lot of practical sense."

VersaCAD for Macintosh
The current release of VersaCAD for any Mac is 2006.08.28. The one executable will run on either the PowerMac or new dual-core Intel based Mac, starting with OS 10.3 and all newer OS. Performance and graphics on the new Intel based Macs is amazing including unlimited pan and zoom while maintaining 64 bit precision in all calculations for highest accuracy in any discipline: mechanical, architectural, civil, plant or any other discipline which requires high quality technical drawings. In addition to supporting any Mac natively and the unlimited pan and zoom, VersaCAD includes the latest dwg/dxf translation engine from Open Design Alliance, plus additional fonts and features such as: group, build by chain. Group, Build, Duplicate :External color table. VersaCAD remains the most capable CAD software for the family of Macintosh computers. Checkout the look and feel by seeing example work at www.versacad.com/versacad/vcadmac.htm and then download the demo copy. VersaCAD still available for $795 for new licenses. Premium Service is available at $595 for the first existing license plus $200 per additional license. Premium Service includes phone support and all updates. Individual updates are available at $395. Corporate, Unlimited licenses start at $1000. Unlimited Campus licenses at $595.

Power of Customization
Many VersaCAD users propel their productivity to 100 to 1 or more by using VersaCAD's easy CPL customization. The Automated Parking Garage Design program is a prime example. Design a 5 story parking garage complete with all details and an isometric plus material takeoff in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours. There are many more examples. Join us for an online class, or we can quote doing customization for you.

Archway's Product Line
Archway is a full service provider of technical software serving the Academic, Architectural, Civil and Mechanical Engineering markets.

DESIGN & ENGINEERING SOFTWARE:
 VersaCAD Win & Mac
 MicroStation, ProjectWise and applications
 Bentley Architecture & Generative Components
 InRoads, PowerCivil & Geopak Civil Software
 Haestad Hydraulic Analysis Software
 Solid Edge and applications
 TransMagic-translation software
 Magics X STL editing software

3D GRAPHICS & ANIMATION SOFTWARE:
 Rhino 3D, Flamingo, Penguin & Bongo
 Softimage
 Bentley ProjectWise Navigator

SERVICES:
 Training
 Phone support
 On-site support
 3D Printing
 Customizing
 Consulting
 Contract software development
 CAD file translation

Archway Training Center
Checkout the training classes on page 3. Classes for every need for VersaCAD., MicroStation, Haestad, InRoads, STAAD.Pro, RAM, Rhino, Solid Edge. Increase your design productivity.

VERSACAD NEWSLETTER - October 2008

In This Issue . . .

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