Some Added SaaS
October 28, 2009
This year, more construction software releases have been offered in the SaaS (software-as-a-service) model—for both the residential and commercial segments of the market.
While the market for construction software has experienced an increase in SaaS-based releases from companies not generally known for delivering Web-based products, one of the pioneers in the space has announced some enhancements of its own.
This week, Autodesk, www.autodesk.com, San Rafael, Calif., announced upgrades to Constructware, with features for reporting and interoperability giving construction companies better access to data. Since the application is delivered in the SaaS model, the features will be available to users immediately.
With the new reporting data download capability, companies can subscribe to a periodic update of reporting data. With another enhanced reporting feature, contractors can bundle reports into one package.
The release also has more options to configure the software and view in a variety of file formats, including an upgraded viewing component that supports AutoCAD 2009 files. The software has a new user interface configuration, allowing contractors to configure more module and field names. Also, the technology has features that make it easier to administer users.
This announcement comes roughly five months after Autodesk told Constructech magazine that it would not be releasing new updates to the product; however, it would still be providing support to customers. It is great to see that Autodesk is listening to the demands of nearly 300 construction customers that use the product and opting to come out with further enhancements.
It will be interesting to see how the product develops during the course of the next few years—especially in a time where more and more construction technology products are coming to market in the SaaS model—something for which Constructware can be considered one of the pioneers for construction technology.