… high-performance 2D/3D DWG CAD that’s now free of IntelliCAD limitations
… has a built-in application platform and a rich e-store of applications
… is noted by experts, in many ways, to be “better than AutoCAD”
… pleasing more and more customers everyday (over 100K users with a 98% satisfaction rating)
… available for 20% of AutoCAD price and with no “forced retirement” policies

In this post, I’ll add a few more details on how you can, with Bricscad V10, immediately/affordably modernize your AutoCAD seats in Mechanical/Manufacturing 2D/3D design.

1. Like AutoCAD, Bricscad V10 has more than enough power for designing mechanical parts and building systems – its 2D/3D engine now scales in all aspects for organizations that design/detail/deliver such parts/systems and their drawings.

2. As Bricscad is based on DWG and supports all versions way back to 2.5, communications with customers, partners, and vendors is fully preserved (perhaps enhanced) in an upgrade from old AutoCAD seats to new Bricscad seats.  And designers can continue to freely exchange DWG files with high-end 3D modeling systems like Catia, PTC, SolidWorks, and Inventor.

3. With Bricscad, companies can extend and empower their manufacturing lifecycle.  Let me explain:

Unique among AutoCAD alternatives, Bricscad V10 is also an AutoCAD-compatible programming platform.  Using LISP, C++, and VB languages and the COM, BRX, and DRX APIs, manufacturing organizations can fully connect Bricscad to their business systems.  Better connections to manufacturing planning, interactive catalogs, financial reports, and more -- that’s extending the lifecycle.

Also, thanks to Bricscad’s affordability, companies can finally afford to give 2D/3D seats to everyone that needs 2D/3D self-service.  Beyond designers, this includes purchasing, proposal writers, field application engineers, sales people, support engineers – for design, detailing, QA, demonstration, configurations/pricing, tracking, online support, and more.  The extended team is fully empowered to get the 2D/3D information they need, use it, and share it with others.

4. Bricscad has plenty of mechanical/manufacturing customers doing exactly this.  An example is Nucor Building Systems (NBS) – a division of Nucor Corporation which itself was featured in the best seller “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.  NBS has a Bricscad site license and has implemented an “empowered manufacturing lifecycle” with Bricscad as the core 2D/3D CAD system.  The complete story is available at: http://www.bricsys.com/volumelic/doc/nucor_case_web.pdf.

As a reminder – all this for 20% of the price of AutoCAD and with friendly policies.

If you’d like to know more, you can:

• Explore and download Bricscad V10 now at: www.bricsys.com
• Read the free introduction to “Bricscad for AutoCAD Users” at: www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/home/news/b4a.jsp
• Review the full “Modernize with V10” post at: http://www.globalforcedirect.com/autocad-alternatives-blog/month/october-2009
• Email info.us@bricscad.com or call +1 617 418 4450 (US) to talk to an expert. 

PS to Application Developers: there’s huge financial opportunity in porting your AutoCAD mechanical/manufacturing application to Bricscad – it’s very simple and explained in an upcoming post.

• is modern 2D/3D CAD and now free of IntelliCAD limitations
• has a built-in application platform and a rich e-store of applications
• is noted by experts, in many ways, to be “better than AutoCAD”
• and all this for 20% of the AutoCAD price and with far friendlier policies.

That’s right, with an single upgrade from your old AutoCAD seats to Bricscad V10, you and your team can be using the most modern CAD technology with the most modern performance.  Or, as upFront.eZine says: “Bricscad doesn’t just lack the negative aspects of AutoCAD; it has its advantages.”

More importantly, you can modernize and fundamentally lower your CAD cost at the same time.  Or, as upFront.eZine says: “Bricscad operates a lot like AutoCAD — yet is much more economical.”

Now is the Time

If ever you were considering an AutoCAD alternative for your organization – now is the time!  Bricscad is:

• developed and sold by CAD veterans
• pleasing more and more customers everyday (over 100K users with a 98% satisfaction rating)
• growing to be the CAD standard at more and more companies and organizations worldwide
• available now to you at special “modernization” prices.

More Details

Interested in more detail on why V10 represents this modernization milestone?

First, while IntelliCAD should be praised for the birth of many/all AutoCAD alternatives (including Bricscad), its technology base was limiting in several ways.  Over time, Bricsys has rewritten and improved all the shared code so that, with V10, Bricscad is free of all IntelliCAD limitations.  Consequently, you’ll notice major performance improvements (3X and more) on large files and heavy graphics – supporting all scales of design.  And you’ll get more compatibility with DWG and AutoCAD than ever before – including API compatibility described below.

With V10, organizations with old versions of AutoCAD can affordably and broadly upgrade to the modern functionality, performance, and DWG compatibility that their projects and people demand.

Second, one of the more compelling aspects of AutoCAD has been its robust application platform and rich ecosystem of applications.  Over time, that platform has indeed gotten stronger but, because AutoCAD has decided to offer its own applications, the application choices seem to be thinning.

With V10, Bricscad introduced a complete, AutoCAD-compatible application platform.  As a result, the vast majority of  AutoCAD-based customizations and applications will run on Bricscad after a simple recompile step. 

Furthermore, the Bricscad estore now offers over 100 affordable applications and tools – across AEC, Civil, GIS, and mechanical CAD.  This means that teams can not only support customizations on Bricscad, but also choose from an expanding ecosystem of world-class applications – which, as we know, can multiply the productivity and collaborative benefits of CAD.

Better than AutoCAD?

Yes, in several important ways, Bricscad is now better than AutoCAD.

Bricscad remains at less than 20% of the price of AutoCAD.  And it’s available to users of older AutoCAD versions at special “cash-for-clunkers” prices.

And because Bricscad can efficiently run on a smaller hardware footprint (processor, RAM, disk space) than AutoCAD, it often saves managers from a forced hardware upgrade – adding to the savings.

V10 includes a major block of innovative functionality that completely separates it from AutoCAD – called eBridge.   I term it a “AEC Project Cloud” where teams can securely store and share project files from within Bricscad and/or from a simple browser. 

So rather than emailing CAD files and losing track of versions, teams can standardize on a central/high-performance/reliable/secure repository that’s included in the desktop price.  Moreover, eBridge also includes an easy-to-use workflow management tool so managers can administrate their projects from a simple browser. 

Very powerful and simple.

So, in essence, V10 gives teams much more for much less than AutoCAD.  In fact, the majority of our users (and administrators) with experience in both products are reporting that they are as or more productive with Bricscad than with AutoCAD.

Read the 5-page introduction to this book

This month, upFront.eZine, publisher of over 100 CAD books, published the 144-page ebook: “Bricscad for AutoCAD Users”.  Nearly everything in this post is underscored by the book.  I’ll again point out two quotes:

   -- “Bricscad doesn’t just lack the negative aspects of AutoCAD; it has its advantages”
   -- “In summary, Bricscad operates a lot like AutoCAD — yet is much more economical”

At the very least, I would ask that you read the 5-page introduction, available for free at: www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/home/news/b4a.jsp.

(Keep in mind: upFront.eZine and its editors are quite experienced in what’s required in CAD to make teams successful.  The rest of the book offers much depth in comparing the two products.)

Indeed, great news for managers looking for smart ways to cut budgets.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in learning more, you can:

• Download Bricscad V10 now at www.bricsys.com.
• Read the introduction to upFront.eZine ebook at: www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/home/news/b4a.jsp.
• Email info.us@bricscad.com or call +1 617 418 4450 (US) to talk to an expert.  We’ve led many managers and teams through this process and can help you with your decision and modernization.

Thanks much for your time and we hope to hear from you!

Best, Tony

PS to Bricscad V6-V9 Users: Your motivations to upgrade to V10 are also compelling

To start with, you have all of the reasons above, plus:

-- V10 holds over 2000 improvements and enhancements over this period – you can realize all these in a single upgrade.

-- Major advancements include (some repeated from above): file/graphics performance improvements of 3-10X, reduced PC hardware requirements, streamlined settings and properties managers, richer PDF export functionality, greater compatibility with AutoCAD entities/commands/settings/UI, API compatibility with AutoCAD, and much more.

-- V10 includes support for AutoCAD 2007, 2008, 2009 files and includes an automatic upgrade to 2010 files (scheduled for Q1 2010).

-- Bricsys is now offering a special upgrade price for existing customers through the end of this month.

-- You can also take advantage of the “modernization program” pricing above.

Excerpts from the introduction follow:

--   “Bricscad for AutoCAD Users is meant for several type of CAD users: AutoCAD users considering switching to Bricscad, firms adding licenses of Bricscad to complement their AutoCAD shop, or companies working with clients who use the other CAD package.  Or perhaps you are simply wondering about the differences between the market leader AutoCAD and the aggressive up-and-comer Bricscad.”

--   “Bricsys does not charge customers high prices, doesn’t impose mandatory subscriptions… The software license terms allow you to use the software in any country.”

--   “Bricscad doesn’t just lack the negative aspects of AutoCAD; it has its advantages. These include a nearly identical user interface, additional commands and system variables, support for operating systems other than Windows, a no-charge developer network, and lower pricing… Bricscad Pro with annual maintenance is seven times cheaper than AutoCAD…. A further advantage to Bricscad is that it has milder hardware and operating system requirements than does AutoCAD.”

--   “Bricsys is making it easier for third-party developers to adapt their AutoCAD add-ons to Bricscad —just as Bricsys is working to make it easy for AutoCAD users to learn Bricscad. For this reason, Bricscad supports almost the same list of APIs as does AutoCAD.”

The ebook and Bricsys were recently discussed on the popular CAD blog www.deelip.com, with Deelip Menezes concluding, “In my opinion, Bricsys appears to have the correct strategy.”

To learn more about Bricsys or to download Bricscad or “Bricscad for AutoCAD Users”, visit www.bricscad.com, email  info@bricsys.com.  or call + 32 (0)9 244 01 90 (EU, Asia, ANZ) or
+1-617-418-4450 (US, India).  View the “Top Ten Reasons to Buy” at www.bricscad.com/top10.

Bricsys, developers of Bricscad, and EZ-Plant, makers of innovative landscape design software, announced a combined solution for only $700. That compares to a list price of EZ-Plant with AutoCAD of over $4,000.

Dave Petrosky of EZ-Plant, says, “The value of the new, combined solution is tremendous – it offers 100% of our functionality at 20% of the cost. And it's completely compatible with AutoCAD.”

EZ-Plant offers professional landscape architects and designers an easy-to-use, powerful set of tools for preparing landscape plans. It:

• increases productivity, improves the end-product, and reduces costs for their clients.
  
• has planting symbols, schedule templates, quantity and cost calculation, and complete drawing production.
  
• is driven and distinguished by an underlying database of more than 2600 types of plants, perennials, mulches, and grasses and which contains data about native species, local nursery inventory and costing, and growth characteristics.
  
• overall, allows designers to produce high-quality, accurate, sustainable plans.

 If you’re interested in learning more, you can:

   * visit www.ez-plant.com or www.bricscad.com to receive a 10% “celebration discount”

   * read the full press release

   * contact EZ-Plant at +1 814-421-6744 or dave@ez-plant.com.

(AutoCAD Application Developers can learn how to slash their customer's “CAD tax” by over 80% with a “simple port” [Dave’s words] to Bricscad at www.bricscad.com/top10 and the Bricscad Programming Platform Guide.)

Here is how it works:

• Affiliates will be rewarded with 5% of the purchase price of all online purchases of Bricscad which specify their affiliate code.
• To encourage buyers to use codes, all orders placed with an affiliate code receive an immediate 5% discount on the list price.
• There is no limit to the number of times that a code can be used or reward totals that can be earned.
• Affiliates can choose to receive their rewards in cash payments or credits toward Bricscad products, subscriptions, or renewals.

Who can become an affiliate?

• Professionals can sign-up to the affiliate program as individuals or representing their company.
•  There is no minimum time commitment to be an affiliate
• Most will have existing CAD roles as users, consultants, trainers, administrators and buyers, developers and resellers, user group members and officers, and newsletter editors and publishers.
• Most will use affiliate rewards to supplement their income or offset their CAD costs. 
• The ideal affiliate should have significant project and CAD experience in architecture, construction, manufacturing, civil, water, plant, GIS, and landscape architecture.
  

Interested?

• In the U.S. or India, email affiliate@globalforcedirect.com
• Visit www.globalforcedirect.com/affiliate
  
• Read the full press release

Below is the initial outline for the upcoming AutoCAD-to-Bricscad Transition Guide -- please feel free to add and comment:

  * via this blog
  * through an email to bricscad@globalforcedirect.com.

You can request the completed guide via the form on the right panel at globalforcedirect.com/bricscad.

Thanks much,

Tony

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Outline for Autodesk-to-Bricscad Transition Guide

Introduction

-- About this guide: purpose, audience, collection of best practices, ...
-- About you: special considerations, size, business, ...
-- About your contributions: over time, wiki, ...
-- About the value of Bricscad

For Managers

-- Maximizing/measuring the financial impact
-- Ensuring ongoing project success
-- Understanding Bricscad and its technology roadmap
-- How easy/difficult is the transition?

For IT

-- Understanding Bricscad advantages/benefits and its technology roadmap
-- Preparing the IT infrastructure -- installing/administering Bricscad/AutoCAD as one
-- Moving customizations/applications to Bricscad
-- How many/which/when users/projects move to Bricscad?
-- Getting users excited and proficient ASAP
-- Become an contributing/learning member of the Bricscad community
-- Measuring the benefits and satisfaction

For Users

-- Understanding Bricscad advantages/benefits
-- Adapting to Bricscad look/feel and commands
-- What's the same/different from AutoCAD?
-- Become an contributing/learning member of the Bricscad community

My name is Tony Flynn, I am president of Global Force DIRECT – the newly appointed Bricscad distributor in the US and India.

First, let me tell you a bit about myself. I have been in CAD for over 10 years, most recently as the CMO and VP of Bentley Systems, Inc. I have known Erik De Keyser for over 5 years and have been eager to join him in business for quite some time.

Erik and I have a common vision that the CAD business is going through a generational change -- organizations are seeking and deserve far higher value from their CAD investments and friendliness from their provider. And, after much study, we at Global Force DIRECT are convinced that Bricscad offers:

* High performance 2D/3D CAD

* World class support

* A remarkable platform for customizations and applications

* AutoCAD compatibility

* All at a game-changing price and on the friendliest of terms.

In short, we are convinced that Bricscad is now seen as the "#1 Alternative to AutoCAD" -- across AEC, GIS, and mechanical markets and organizations.

With the opportunity to save up to 80%, more and more owners of earlier AutoCAD versions are choosing to transition to Bricscad rather than upgrade to AutoCAD 2010. And more and more owners of AutoCAD LT are choosing to transition to Bricscad, save again, and upgrade to a platform that offers customization and programmability.

Here are some items for you:

1. Here is the press release that announces our partnership with Erik and his Bricscad team. And here are the bios of your new team.
2. Many organizations are expanding their use of Bricscad to multiply their savings and benefits. We would be very interested in connecting with you to discuss you needs or give us feedback (no hard selling, we are professional and lifelong CAD pro’s). Feel free to request an immediate discussion at bricscad@globalforcedirect.com.
3. For existing users, if you complete a survey on your experience with Bricscad you receive a "celebration discount" on all summer purchases -- see the "contact me" form on the right.
4. For AutoCAD-based organizations that like the idea of saving 80% on their CAD investment and want to know more about how to successfully and easily transition to Bricscad or to a mix of AutoCAD/Briscad, we are releasing a "Transition Guide" in the coming weeks. It's available throught the contact form to your right.
   
5. Lastly, we have a stated a "AutoCAD Alternatives" blog – we’ll talk about the business, share success stories and best practices, give updates to all our customers and prospects, and take suggestions from the audience. You can subscribe right here.

Thanks much for your time, I’m very proud to be serving you, and I look forward to talking to you soon.

Sincerely,

Tony Flynn

President

Global Force DIRECT