Editorial

BATIMAT 2007 has closed its gates. Perhaps it is too soon to carry out an exact analysis, but we can already see that we have learned a few very interesting things that confirm to us that we are heading in the right direction with our developments.

1°) The ever-growing number of international visitors searching for the right "technical solutions" to their needs is moving us in the direction of export activities. Such solutions as can easily satisfy special local needs, especially adaptation or creation of libraries. The French regulatory practice in effect in certain areas in the African countries is a special trump card we hold. The software we offer is capable of connecting and automating the separate CAD components.

2°) On the French market (which many see as oversaturated) we can observe two kinds of visible tendencies.

Contractors and customers both request 3D views on a regular basis, as well as comprehensive visual plans, animations, and on-site adaptations. This presents more and more difficulties to those offices using general 2D design software. In these cases, they are forced to make use of outside assistance. These kinds of services always cost much more than in-house solutions, especially if the planned project is not executed. The additional expenditures that become necessary for every single modification and the missing feedback opportunities indicate that we have found a very important segment of the market which is waiting for innovation in the area of comprehensive professional solutions.

Of course, these comprehensive solutions intended exclusively for architects have been around for a long time, and as a result of regular updates, they have become very effective tools. According to some, they are "too effective", which probably means "too complicated". The truth is, some software is very difficult to use. The price of recognition has become too high. Users complain that designers are trained for the competition. After a failure, they take out their old 2D design tools and they cannot always invest in new professional software. All this motivates us to offer them a competitive rate that also considers the financial side of their problems.

The CAD market sees favorable times ahead. It is enough if we watch are attentive to users' expectations. In addition to ergonomic considerations affecting functionality, we are also attentive to training and maintaining a continuous presence. We have been striving for this for years and will continue to in the future, and will use every opportunity to become even better.

Warm greetings,

Roland CAUMONT, Managing Director