Posted by David Stovall on January 01, 19100 at 11:10:30:In Reply to: PowerCadd posted by kenkuhlman on December 30, 1999 at 16:16:30:
Could large firms use PowerCADD? Most certainly and some do. I know firms that have done large, very complex projects with it. What you have to ask is if large firms also use Macs and sadly the answer is not so good. PowerCADD only comes on the Mac.
PowerCADD remains today the best WYSIWYG common sense 2D CAD program that non-computer literate architects can learn to use with comfort. But given the computer barbarian hordes out there and new paradigm students that can no longer sketch, PowerCADD could go the way of the Dodo bird.
PowerCADD is the best 2D CAD program that you can put your artistic touch into it realtime on the screen (not at print preview). That means a lot to me.
Saying all that, you must understand PowerCADD is an individual's CAD program that can be appreciated similar to those that appreciate the Mac more than the PC. Large firms think more in terms of collaborative environments and standardization. That's why applications like AutoCAD and Microstation exist in the large firms. Reference filing is essential in collaborative enivronments and PowerCADD is not quite there yet. Large firms also like the warm fuzzy feeling of integrated 2D/3D though few manage to use their software that way.
OK, so I got a little emotional. ;)
David Stovall
(works on PowerMac and PowerCADD at home. Manages Microstation users producing more than a billion dollars worth of construction per year at work)