New database for IFC-compliant software launched by buildingSMART

Following the success of the IFC standard, buildingSMART International has decided to create a database of compatible software apps so that AEC software users can locate a horde of useful resources. The database contains information about IFC-compatible applications for the whole range of design and construction disciplines, including architectural, structural, building services, facility management and model viewing.

When BIM specialist Jeffrey Ouellette discovered there were at least 50 different applications from 37 vendors that supported IFC, he used his position as Nemetschek Vectorworks representative to buildingSMART's Implementation Group (ISG) to begin putting together a database. Ouellette commented that: "architecture - and the building industry in general - is bigger than any one technology, product or vendor. IFC provides a method of digital interoperability - and the new database will help promote the use of IFC-compliant software, allowing everyone to collaborate with the tools and processes they find most useful."

Part of the 16-month-long task was to ensure that each of the applications met the more stringent guidelines introduced in 2010 to guarantee a high level of quality. And, with the support of Thomas Liebich, leader of buildingSMART's Model Support Group, and Rasso Steinmann, chair of the ISG, what started as a simple spreadsheet has now become an online database with 133 applications and utilities by 92 developers. You can view the database here completely free and without the need for registration.

For more information on our full range of IFC-compatible software, including Vectorworks and Navisworks, call us on 03332 409 306 or email CAD@Jigsaw24.com. To receive more CAD news and updates you can follow us on Twitter (@Jigsaw_CAD) and 'Like' our Facebook page.