RIDING THE TECHNOLOGY WAVE
1998; American Society of Civil Engineers; Volume: 68; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
2381-0688
Autores Tópico(s)Manufacturing Process and Optimization
ResumoInformation technology (IT) has undergone sweeping transformations, from hardware to software. This article discusses the effects of these changes on engineering offices. Hardware prices have fallen dramatically and allowed many firms to buy greater amounts of equipment, and of higher quality, than in recent years. In addition, processor speeds continue to increase, allowing computer-aided design (CAD) and geographical information system (GIS) software to run faster. Autodesk and Bentley, the providers of the two most popular CAD packages, have revamped their flagship products as each tries to distinguish itself. Meanwhile, CAD users and producers also are considering using AutoCAD's DWG file format as an industry standard. The OpenDWG Alliance attempts to follow in the footsteps of the OpenGIS Consortium by developing standards that will make engineering software packages easier to use and more compatible with one another. Though Windows 98 will include tools to extend the power of machines now running Windows 95, many firms are planning to bypass this operating system and adopt Windows NT 5.0 after its scheduled release in 1999. Greater sophistication in Internet software is altering it from an entertaining sideshow into a tool for project management and long-distance collaboration.
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