Autodesk and Trimble Sign Agreement to Increase Interoperability

On first view you think this is kind of interesting that Autodesk want to do this bearing in mind their history with regards the amount of legal fees they have spent trying to keep the dwg format to themselves. Don't want to be so friendly and open about that one do they.

Then the penny drops, of course IFC is basically similar as the DXF format, i.e. a way to exchange data, that keep the native software format out of competitors hands, so the only question is why are they only doing this now? The users wanted this a few years ago.

The About Autodesk below should read Autodesk sell software to make shareholders profit and basically the staff are fantastic and would like to give the users what they need, however the company business objectives get in the way and stops that happening.

I'm still waiting for NanoCAD to create NanoBIM or someone similar to create better cheaper 3D modelling and BIM tool as the cost of the current software is excessive to say the lease. A more open IFC format makes that possibility.
   

PRESS RELEASE

 

AEC Customers will Gain Greater Flexibility Throughout the BIM Project Lifecycle

SAN FRANCISCO and SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 14, 2016 -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) and Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) have entered into an interoperability agreement aimed at saving customers time and reducing project costs typically associated with workflow inefficiency across different suppliers’ technologies. This will benefit architects, engineers and contractors, and importantly, project owners by enabling more freedom to optimize technology workflows needed to meet the complex requirements of today’s construction projects.

Autodesk and Trimble have a shared goal of meeting the evolving needs of the building and infrastructure industries. Reliable, fluent exchange of information among multiple stakeholders and platforms is essential to this end. The Trimble and Autodesk collaboration demonstrates their ongoing commitment to support open industry standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie), and can enable current and prospective Autodesk and Trimble customers working on the same projects to work together seamlessly through optimized file compatibility across applications.

 

Under the terms of agreement, Autodesk and Trimble will take steps to accelerate interoperability by exchanging Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and developer tools to build and market interoperable products. This allows the two companies to improve upon existing data exchanges, as well as open up new workflows between their products. Tighter product-to-product integration can enable design and construction professionals to share models, project files and other data between select Autodesk and Trimble solutions both in the office and the field, and allow for the reuse of information during design and construction throughout all phases of the project.

“The strength of a company is best measured by its willingness to do what is right for its customers and the industry at large. This interoperability agreement, like others we’ve signed, speaks to Autodesk’s commitment to openness,” said Amar Hanspal, senior vice president, Autodesk.  “This collaboration with Trimble speaks to our shared dedication to making the building process more efficient and productive for all involved.”

“This collaboration demonstrates our mutual commitment to provide design and construction professionals with a seamless experience from both Autodesk and Trimble design-build-operate solutions,” said Bryn Fosburgh, vice president at Trimble. “As a result all stakeholders across the construction lifecycle can optimize their workflow efficiency.”

About Autodesk

Autodesk makes software for people who make things.  If you’ve ever driven a high-performance car, admired a towering skyscraper, used a smartphone, or watched a great film, chances are you’ve experienced what millions of Autodesk customers are doing with our software. Autodesk gives you the power to make anything.  For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

About Trimble

Trimble is transforming the way the world works by delivering products and services that connect the physical and digital worlds. Core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics enable customers to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. From purpose built products to enterprise lifecycle solutions, Trimble software, hardware and services are transforming a broad range of industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial and transportation and logistics. For more information about Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB), visit:  www.trimble.com.

Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. Trimble is a registered trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited.