Hillier Purchases 145 MicroGDS Upgrades

Cambridge, UK, 28 January 2002 -- Hillier has recently upgraded their extensive MicroGDS CAD system to MicroGDS 7.0, the latest version from Informatix Software International Limited. Hillier is one of the world�s best-known Built Environment specialists, providing a wide range of architectural design and planning services to an impressive client list that includes such household names as Merrill Lynch, GlaxoSmithKline, and Sprint. Project types are correspondingly wide, encompassing schools, gaming facilities, corporate headquarters, libraries, and historic restorations, and yielding revenues of $90 million per annum. Pioneers in CAD usage, Hillier's MicroGDS workstations are spread over six locations connected by a high-speed fully meshed IP network infrastructure. The performance of MicroGDS over VPN connections also allows Hillier to integrate numerous home offices, project site offices and mobile computer users.

A crucial factor in Hillier's decision to deploy the new version is the improved ability of MicroGDS 7.0 to work on disparate data sets. "For a renovation to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey we found ourselves wrestling with two different major axes - one for the existing building and one for the new wing", says Bob Ritger, Director of Design Systems. "MicroGDS�s new facilities for rotated viewports allowed us to very quickly work with both wings without having to 'twist our heads around' to see and understand the design as it played out on both axes."

MicroGDS 7.0 contains a number of user interface improvements that have been welcomed by Hillier's CAD users. These include the "Mini Window Editor", which allows common layer and window management tasks to be performed without disrupting the on-screen layout; a new shortcut key capability; and many improvements to the navigation system, including wheel mouse support.

"The myriad of new linestyle types has also had an early impact on our presentations, particularly with the use of raster images as part of patterned filled lines", continues Bob. "In my opinion the numerous new features will greatly improve the speed of operation to the point where this upgrade will yield a return on investment in only a few months."

Informatix Software International Limited specializes in Windows� based software for the architectural, engineering, construction, and facility management industries. Based in Cambridge, England, they sell their products through an international network of distributors. They maintain strong links with Cambridge University, and have collaborative agreements with a number of best-in-class technology developers.