PRODUCT FOCUS
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2013
Managing Your Civil Design Software Environment
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hat has the AutoCAD® Civil 3D® environment become? We’ve grown from the “basic” installation of Civil 3D to entire suites of software supporting, supplementing, and expanding the range of capabilities accompanying Civil 3D. Add to that the complexity of people—upper management, which may or may not have an understanding of the software’s capabilities, a user base at varying levels of experience and technical knowledge, and an ever-growing need to stay billable during a time when budgets and overhead are tight. What’s a person to do in this sea of resellers, suites, training options, and budget cuts? Let’s explore some opportunities to get significant gains in productivity, while reducing demands on time and improving the overall level of expectations surrounding the software we use day in and day out.
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by: Bryan Tanner
www.augi.com
LICENSE MANAGEMENT There are several reasons why I can’t ethically suggest specific software packages, suites, or Value- Added Resellers (VARs). However, I can offer some perspective on evaluating your software uses and needs, purchasing timeline, as well as the organization and maintenance of software licensing. First off is your choice of VAR. It’s as simple as this: if you aren’t happy with the information and service you are receiving, look elsewhere. One VAR may not suit all firms’ needs. Some of those reasons include cost, responsiveness, and level of expertise for support services, as well as training options, software advisement, down to the pleasantries of individuals you have grown to enjoy working with. There are dozens of options available from international, regional, and web-based VARs. Autodesk has also attempted to better address which VARs may be a betJuly 2013