This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Custom Residential Architects Network and Technology in Architectural Practice .
-------------------------------------------
Hi;
I summarized what I took from my conversation with the Baltimore Archicad rep in a reply to Eric Rawlings. We are going to look again at v.15. As far as the rep looking into the future, I'm not sure what you are saying- I expect he knows what his company is working on. He was not previewing, he was saying that he knew of no intention or effort to provide that tool that he had heard of so far. Anyone who has ever gone on a software forum knows that people always ask what's coming and the companies usually say they won't discuss it. Nonetheless, lots can be gleaned from comments like "I would not look for that feature soon", or,"not many people are asking for that".
I'm a little surprised that you think we are done a disservice by having the rep tell us what he thinks is happening. After all, these software purchases represent significant investments, and, what with the effort and investment required to switch to new software, I will do the best I can to get as much info as possible in advance. I know they industry does not want to reveal its business plans or competitive offerings, but their interests do not coincide with mine on this point. On the other hand, my eventually spending money on software is in their best interest. So I'm not sure that I see a problem with trying to become as informed as possible, and I do not see the rep answering to the best of his ability as being a disservice. I will get the next demo, and it will either turn out that I misunderstood what the rep said, or that there is an issue here that has some importance to me. In any event, while I realize that misunderstandings are a part of communication, but that does not argue for not trying- just the opposite.
In light of some of these responses, I'll be getting back to the rep for clarification, and I'll let you know what he says. I think that's how these forums are supposed to operate.
Thanks,
Ray Strang
-------------------------------------------
Raymond Strang AIA
Raymond Strang & Associates, AIA
Stevensville MD
-------------------------------------------