CAD Manager's Newsletter (#169)

The Lowdown on New Autodesk Software

Some key functions in the new software can be a boon to CAD managers who use them to their advantage.

Over the past several weeks I've had a chance to work with AutoCAD 2008, and I've formed some opinions about the program's new functionalities that I think will affect CAD managers the most. In this issue I will share my findings along with several links to Web sites and blogs that can help you learn more about the AutoCAD 2008 product family's new features.

I realize the whole world doesn't use AutoCAD, but many do. Therefore, I think the new release merits some examination. Here goes.

Product Feature Resources

A number of great resources are out there to help you learn about all the new commands and features in AutoCAD 2008. I'm only going to talk about a few of the features that I think will really affect CAD management planning, so I'm leaving it to you to do more detailed homework on all the features you'd like. Here are some of the better resources I've seen so far: Read more>>

:: CAD Manager's Q&A

As CAD manager I have to deal with lots of network issues but don't have any formal training in them. Should I pursue understanding more networking technology?

Robert Green replies: Good question. And one that really relates to the size of your company. If you work in a large company with an established IT/networking group, I'd advise picking up knowledge as you go and keeping some sort of networking diary so you'll get smarter as time goes by. However, because the IT/networking group will always be on the cutting edge, there's little reason for you to be well versed in the topic. Read more>>

Submit your questions to Robert Green at rgreen@greenconsulting.com.

:: Resources

Cadalyst's Job Search Online! If you're in the market for a new job -- or if you just want to see what's out there -- Cadalyst.com offers an online job search that can help. This powerful search tool offers a state-by-state list of CAD-related job openings, or you can customize a search to find your own list of U.S. job openings based on the keywords and locations you specify. Check it out today!

Send us the address of your favorite Web site or other resource and a few words about why you like it. If we publish it, we'll send you a Cadalyst t-shirt! E-mail editors@cadalyst.com. 

:: Events

Webcast: What's New with Acrobat 8 Professional
March 28, 2007
10:00 a.m. PT
In this e-seminar for AEC firms, Adobe shows how to improve collaboration with extended team members by securely exchanging complex 2D and 3D drawings -- including enabling Acrobat Reader 7 or 8 users with commenting and markup tools. Read more

Webcast: Combining Multiplatform Documents
April 4, 2007
10:00 a.m. PT
Learn how to turn large-format, multiplatform documents into one PDF with pan and zoom functions that mimic CAD, but make it easy for non-CAD users to view and manipulate. This e-seminar presented by Adobe for AEC firms shows how. Read more

Webcast: More on Creating PDFs from CAD
April 18, 2007
10:00 a.m. PT
In this e-seminar for AEC firms, Adobe experts will show how you can create PDFs directly from a CAD application with searchable text, scale, layer support and page layout information. Read more

Webcast: Crossing the Chasm with Microsoft Compute Cluster Edition -- HPC Goes Mainstream
April 24, 2007
11:00 a.m. PT
Scientific Computing will present this interactive, educational Webcast, which will focus on the transition to cost-effective compute clusters for improved, scalable application performance for users of high-performance technical or commercial computing applications and disciplines. Read more

Webcast: Creating Shared Reviews
April 25, 2007
10:00 a.m. PT
Working with the entire team, whether nearby or far away, has never been easier when you create shared reviews in real-time -- without IT assistance. Participate in this e-seminar by Adobe for AEC firms, and learn how. Read more

Webcast: Autodesk Civil 3D -- Pipes
April 25, 2007
12:00 p.m. PT
Autodesk Civil 3D allows you to design and lay out your pipes much more efficiently than Autodesk Land Desktop. In this Webcast, Ideate will demonstrate just how quick and easy it is to create and edit 3D pipe networks from 2D lines within Autodesk Civil 3D. Ideate will also show the ease of creating pipe profiles and how pipe interference checks can be automated to reduce errors. Read more

Click here to view the complete calendar of events at Cadalyst.com.

:: What's New at Cadalyst.com

New Quick Poll: Who Calls Your CAD Shots?
The latest Cadalyst Quick Poll is live online. This month, we want to know who on your staff has the most say in CAD-related software purchasing decisions -- users or managers? Take the poll (go to any page of Cadalyst.com and scroll down to find the Quick Poll in the margin), then check out how you compare with your CAD peers in "Cadfidential" in the May edition of Cadalyst magazine.

3D in AutoCAD? You Tell Us!
Do you use AutoCAD for 3D product design? If so, Cadalyst contributing editor Mike Hudspeth would like to hear from you. Readers' responses will appear in Mike's MCAD Modeling column in the June issue of Cadalyst magazine (and online). Send your 3D design story, as well as a design or two, to Mike.Hudspeth@tycohealthcare.com.

First Look Review: Sun Microsystems Ultra 20 M2
Cadalyst's Pat Davis evaluates an AMD-based workstation that runs Linux. Read more

Cadalyst Daily Update
For all the latest news and new products and updates about the newest features on Cadalyst.com, subscribe to the Cadalyst Daily e-newsletter. Plus, every Monday we bring you a full-length feature article you won't find anywhere else -- hardware and CAD software reviews, success stories, interviews, event reports, AutoCAD tips and more! Here's a sample of what you missed recently:

• Vista and AutoCAD 2007: A Contentious Combo: Read this before you upgrade to Microsoft's new operating system.