ArchiCAD Graphisoft Morning: 2004: feedback

A keynote opening speech from Mark Sawyer led with the position of Graphisoft in the world markets, and the areas of the construction market that Graphisoft are looking at in the future. Then Bence Kovacs and Akos Bezegh of the Graphisoft contingent took turns to explain new features in ArchiCAD Nine.

Mark Sawyer, VP of worldwide sales kicked off 'Graphisoft morning' with a presentation dedicated to the company's performance and directions of growth. Graphisoft have just opened a south-east Asian office to promote their products in the region. The Chinese market has a staggeringly large potential customer base (45 million employees in the ministry for construction alone!), with a huge construction programme.
It was interesting to note that the UK and Australian ArchiCAD sales figures were the only two regions down from this time last year. Mark suggested that the further marginalisation of the role of architect here in the UK could have something to do with this. He hoped that we wouldn't be offended by this remark, but from my point of view there was no offence taken. I actually agree wholeheartedly - it's one of the reasons why i'm just about to up-sticks and travel to the other side of the world to work . . .
He finished by giving an overview of the role of IT in the complete procurement and management of a building. When split into three distinct phases, 'design', 'construction', 'management', it demonstrated a big requirement for IT solutions in the 'construction' phase that Graphisoft's current products don't reach . . . and asked us to 'watch-this-space' over the next few months for their answer to this. interesting . . .
Bence Kovacs and Akos Bezegh then began the main event! (you may well have noticed that ArchiCAD 9 was given its public premiere at the ArchiCAD university) we were treated to an overview of the new features with Bence narrating through the focus areas of 'easy', 'polished' and 'powerful' whilst Akos demonstrated the practical application of these features.
As a beta-tester, I can't help but feel that it wasn't done as much justice as it should've! Many new features that I'm feeling the benefit of every day weren't mentioned (manual-rebuild sections, syringing library part parameters, etc, etc...) proving that this really is going to be a tricky upgrade to sell. But we did get to see (amongst others) the new (and long overdue!) implementation of the 'text editor', the 'work environment' customisation process and . . . drum-roll . . . the incorporation of the 'Gightworks' rendering engine! thanks Graphisoft!
Bence also ran through a reassuring outline of the Graphisoft quality assurance process and procedures. Starting with a full-monty style (well, nearly) strip! he revealed a t-shirt with the logo 'no R2' emblazoned across it - Graphisoft's aim for the release of 9. Far more automatic testing has been put in place to ensure the quality of the code is at a much higher standard before it even gets to the beta phase. 'Hatteras' testing began the beta process with a selection of users invited to Graphisoft's offices around the world for two days of testing and discussion with the developers.
The beta test followed with a 'points-race' incentive for the testers, the top three of whom were given an honourable (ahem!) mention! Eight companies then participated in a 'project validation' - using AC9 on live projects within their practice. It was disappointing to see only one UK practice amongst them . . . (Ben Frost)

Enjoyed this session. Good to see Graphisoft supporting ACUe - Bence and Akos were a good doubles team and AC9 looked sensible if not spectacular (a conservative but wise approach after AC8 hiccups). Starting to appreciate that GS is NOT Microsoft - I think a lot of AC users assume that GS are a huge company with a lot of money - they aren't. The video profiles of the Hungarian team showed a bunch of average people with a simple focus on providing good tools for their clients. (Karl Eckermann)

I was really impressed by Graphisoft’s candid approach to previous problems and the global challenges facing the company. I was greatly reassured by their attempts to integrate quality assurance into software development rather than just testing 'post-production'. They have learned from mistakes on 8.0 to fully test the quality, speed and stability of new releases to the benefit of all. ArchiCAD 9.0 appears a mature and well executed update to the interface and editing procedures, the renderer alone is worth the upgrade. (Richard Swann)

Overlong introduction from Mark, they only had 2hrs and he went on for 1hr! Also interesting to note that they have no qualms over the ethics of dealing with China (human rights issues are secondary to sales and profit) Demonstration of version 9 was very impressive and comprehensive (and entertaining) (Derek Davis)

I was not really interested in the objectives the software developers had, I am more interested in the results. I expect the upgrades to facilitate my work as an architect, thats all. Having said this I must admit the presentation of new features in version 9 was mouthwatering indeed. (Susanne Welcker)

This session is essential to a successful ACUE, partly for reassurance that the software is being developed… also for understanding development priorities for the future. Seeing the run-through of new features was helpful, even though I had viewed all the videos from the internet. Finally, the video clips of developers were really helpful in making us feel part of a team together - the human face - "think of me when you use this feature..." was great. (Nigel Walter)
Inevitable presentation. It seemed here that the effort of previous ACUE events gave result. The first official announcement of a new version of ArchiCAD in ACUE was made with the most user friendly version ever seen! David could it be imaginable that next year there will be a wish-list workshop with the Graphisoft team? (Til Breton)

Good presentation that held my attention easily, I was interested by the different markets for Graphisoft worldwide and understand perhaps the difficulties of satisfying a world market.
I was a little surprised by such comments as 'Graphisoft are now listening to the comments of our users'. What have they been doing for 20 years?
I saw this much as a sales exercise for G, but little was mentioned of what seems a high price being asked to upgrade to 9. Version 9 looks promising, but I wont know until I try it in practice. Is it worth an apparent cost of £1500 over three years... and I understand that there are no guarantees of yearly upgrades... (Alan Wahlers)

It was a pleasure to meet the faces behind the software. Not only that, they gave me confidence that they are really full time working on improving the software. Version 9 was clear proof of this. I did not realise that the API had been changed a few years ago to allow third party software companies like Cigraph to develop plug Ins. This in my opinion should be stimulated more to allow Graphisoft to concentrate on the bigger issues such as ease of use of interface and speed. The tools on offer are becoming very impressive, long may this continue. Another advantage could be price. If Graphisoft can drop the sofar not very successful products like stairmaker and stop developing new (intelligent) tools themselves they could in time offer the basic software package for a very competitive price. At the same time other such a clear message to third party developers will stimulate them to be innovative with their products. Graphisoft should together with us the users produce a wish list for plug Ins, with the promise that they will not develop such plug In tools themselves if third party developers take these on board. ArchiCad can then become truly modular, for all users to configure to suit their own needs. The clear message to the developers is in my opinion very important. I understand that Fabrizio's company has stopped developing ArchiStairs any further as they are worried that Graphisoft will bring out a new version of Stairmaker, that is not good for fruitful cooperation to all our advantage, including Graphisoft. (Daniel Dusoswa)

I was pleased to see so senior a figure as Mark Sawyer in attendance at ACUE 2004, and I think Mark gave a comprehensive, informative and straightforward view of where the company is now and where it’s going. I came away reassured that he and his colleagues are planning for a successful future.
As one of the ‘Hatteras’ testers I was already aware of the new features in version 9, but nevertheless it was a pleasure to see Bence Kovacs and Akos Bezegh demonstrating the improvements. Live demonstrations are fraught with potential risk, but it was clear that we were in the hands of experts.
I spent two months working with the beta version of 9 and I can’t wait for it to be officially released so that I can get back to it. The new interface with docking tool bars, the Rich Text Format support, the improved selection procedures and the new cover fills are sorely missed now I’m forced to use 8.1 again…
On behalf of the other Hatteras testers I should say to the programmers at Graphisoft, thanks for the ‘Paste’ shortcut! (David Emery)

I am worried about the future of AC with a competitor like Autodesk. Mark and his crew could convince me of the fact that GS is listening carefully to their users again! that's reassuring. (Dirk Van Hecke)

It was with some expectation that I sat down near the front to get a good look at the first view of AC9. Mark got the presentation going with an introduction quickly followed by a report of the state of Graphisoft in the world. This could have been a bit tedious but I found it entirely interesting and for some reason felt better for knowing what was going on globally. The lasting recollection was the simple analysis of market take-up in different regions and the observation that there seems to have been some change in the role of architects in GB. A bell went clang in my head and I missed ten minutes while I considered this and pondered on the changes we have felt in our practice. We certainly have felt the squeeze by accountants and statutory authorities which seems to have resulted in a feeling of devaluation and reduced importance. When I mentally returned, AC9 was being introduced and the main new features illustrated on twin projection screens. AC9 is reviewed in many places and I have little to add except that our practice may not upgrade (yet) because of the general feeling of malaise. (Richard Payne)

AC9 has arrived. What can I say. Yes it is excellent to have all these new things in the programme, but are they new? They are just what other programmes have had for years, i.e. dockable pallets, etc., or what has been asked for for years.
Anyway, thanks Graphisoft for finally delivering. The UK type of windows are apparently still not included in the new upgrade but are being worked on.
GDL is a wonderful computer language, but should not have to be relied on to make basic building items like windows. Nobody minds to pay for specialised objects, but basic building products should either be included in an architectural programme or simple enough to create/draw yourself without any specialist scripting skills.
When joining my present company 3 years ago, it was my intention to win them over to Archicad, but instead I was won over to using Caddie in conjunction with the recent addition of Sketchup. (Mathilde Kaplan)

Excellent, we now have Release 9 at the office but not loaded yet. (23 licences on the server and 3 dongles) very good presentation and very exciting!!! (Roger Pratt)

It was good, although some of the information provided such as company history, financial goals etc. was excessive. (Katherine Bedwell)

Very slick "reassure the customer" presentation that might have been designed to order based on the somewhat negative comments pouring in from all directions at last year's ACUE concerning the AC8 launch. But an interesting analysis of the work situation, of where Graphisoft are going, and how we users might benefit.
Good to see such a strong GS team turning out for ACUE (a compliment to DNC too), Bence and Akos make a great double act - I also liked the product team videos, good marketing but I guess you can't expect anything less from an American CEO.
And of course a fascinating launch for AC 9, lots of good features to look forward to - just a little worried by possible price tag. I have already gone the upgrade subscription route with Abvent's Archigate formula in Paris, and have only just scraped together the points for my AC 8.1. (Peter Bennison)

AC9 is clearly not the major release that AC8 was, and seems to refine its features rather than add new ones. The main improvement is the inclusion of a built-in raytracing renderer. ArchiCAD has always been famous for having an awful rendering engine (not only slow, but bad images to boot!) so it is great to see this included at last . (Rowan Murray)

Too much about the business of Graphisoft from Mark Sawyer, (sorry Mark), rather than the product from my viewpoint, otherwise fine! (Ed Sharpe)