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New database launched by buildingSMART - Clear comprehensive overview of IFC-compliant software
New database launched by buildingSMART A database of software applications that are compatible with the IFC standard goes live on the buildingSMART website on 5 October 2011 and will provide an official reference resource for AEC industry software users. The database contains information about IFC-compatible applications for the whole range of design and construction disciplines, including architectural, structural, building services, facility management and model viewing. It also underlines how broad IFC support has become.
The resource is a result of work done by Jeffrey Ouellette, BIM specialist at Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. and deputy chair of buildingSMART’s Implementation Support Group (ISG), who was trying to identify the extent of IFC implementation for internal development research and the education of Vectorworks users. He had expected to find a dozen or so resources through the ISG and other development efforts in which Nemetschek Vectorworks had participated, but the reality he uncovered was very different: he identified 50 applications by 37 vendors in his initial research efforts.
Thomas Liebich, leader of buildingSMART’s Model Support Group and Rasso Steinmann, chair of the ISG, saw the potential for an official buildingSMART resource in Jeffrey’s list of vendors and products, and efforts continued to develop the work. With the help of other buildingSMART sources, the simple spreadsheet used at the start was converted to an online database and more applications and vendors were added, as well as expanding the number of fields and types of data.
At launch, the database contains 133 applications and utilities by 92 developers. The database is a dynamic tool, continually updated as more products with IFC compatibility emerge. The resource offers definitive information about the extent of IFC adoption for software end users, such as architects, engineers, and facility managers.
“This impressive list shows the full range of IFC support,” says Thomas Liebich. “We are grateful to the companies who are engaged in IFC implementation for the statements they have provided.”
A new certification scheme run by buildingSMART to check that vendor products meet the IFC standard was launched in 2010, with more stringent requirements. “The new scheme clarifies the scope of interoperability in the products submitted,” explains Rasso Steinmann. “The significant uptake of the scheme shows how companies are striving to achieve a high level of quality and are eager to demonstrate it via certification.”
The launch of the database marks the end of a 16-month journey for Jeffrey Ouellette. “Architecture – and the building industry in general – is bigger than any one technology, product or vendor,” he concludes. “IFC provides a method of digital interoperability – and the new database will help promote the use of IFC-compliant software, allowing everyone to collaborate with the tools and processes they find most useful.”
The database is available at http://buildingsmart-tech.org/implementation/implementations
Notes to Editors
- BuildingSMART is a cross-industry alliance dedicated to improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the design, construction and facilities management industries, with an emphasis on information-sharing and BIM. It has developed the open IFC standard (Industry Foundation Classes), also known as the buildingSMART Data Model. The IFC standard was accepted by ISO (ISO/PAS 16739: 2005). Full ISO accreditation is in progress.
- The first Chapter of BuildingSMART (formerly known as the International Alliance for Interoperability) was set up in North America in June 1995 and is now known as the buildingSMART Alliance. Other Chapters cover Australasia, Benelux, Canada, French-speaking and German-speaking countries, Italy, Japan, Korea, Middle East, Nordic countries, Norway, Singapore and UK & Ireland.
- The Implementation Support Group (ISG) of buildingSMART promotes the use of the IFC standard to share information within building information models even when software products from different vendors are employed. The group co-ordinates efforts and acts as a technical forum. Membership of the group is open to all member companies of buildingSMART. Visit http://buildingsmart-tech.org/.
- Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nemetschek AG and has been developing software since 1985. The Vectorworks line of software products provides professional design solutions for more than 450,000 designers in the AEC, entertainment and landscape design industries. With a tradition of designing flexible, versatile, intuitive and affordable CAD and BIM solutions, Nemetschek Vectorworks continues to be a global leader in 3D design technologies. For more information, visit www.vectorworks.net.
Contact points:
Jeffrey Ouellette (database matters): jouellette@vectorworks.net
Thomas Liebich (IFC matters): tl@aec3.com
Rasso Steinmann (implementation and certification): rasso.steinmann@steinmann-consult.de
Christopher Groome (management): chris.groome@b-r-t-co.uk
buildingSMART International Newsletter No7