TurboApps To Unlock New CAD Solutions Using Mobile Devices


NOVATO, Calif., October 29, 2012 – IMSI®/Design, a pioneer in mobile solutions for AEC and the global leader in retail CAD, today outlined its "TurboApps" mobile development strategy for 2012.

"While we're announcing a ground-breaking field and site survey app called TurboSite today, what we're really launching is a whole new class of software solutions -- mobile AEC -- that simply can't be done on desktops or laptops," stated Royal Farros, CEO of IMSI/Design.

New platforms represent challenging transitions for established market leaders. The overwhelming desire -- and often mistake -- is trying to wedge an existing application into a radically different platform.

CAD is a prime example. Precision design, as it has matured today, requires exacting input devices like a keyboard, mouse, and electronic stylus. Multiple large monitors, power-hungry CPUs, and an enormous amount of RAM are also required. It is not a stretch to say that typically the most powerful and expensive workstations are found in CAD shops.

How does that translate to a smart phone?

"It doesn't," said Doug Cochran, CTO of IMSI/Design and an architect of record for the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. "Hardware in the mobile space is only a fraction as powerful as your average desktop machine. Does somebody really want to design the Freedom Tower Building with a tiny bit of RAM and a 3 inch screen? It's just not practical."

Cochran continued, "On the other hand, mobile hardware has some terrific advantages over desktops. Easy gesture interfaces. All day battery life. Accelerometers. Gyros. GPS. Digital cameras. Effortless portability and connectivity. The trick is to create brand new solutions based on those attributes... to essentially create a whole new class of AEC software solutions."

An important aspect to IMSI/Design's mobile development plans is creating a development platform that others can use to build innovative mobile apps. In this regard, IMSI/Design will continue to actively update its TurboApps™ SDK.

"Our big-picture goal is to enable an entirely new generation of mobile AEC developers," added Farros.


About IMSI/Design

IMSI/Design is a pioneer in mobile solutions for the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction) industry and the global leader in retail CAD (Computer Aided Design). With over 16 million products distributed since 1988, IMSI/Design products include the award-winning TurboCAD®, TurboViewer®, TurboReview®, and TurboFloorPlan™ families of precision design applications for mobile and desktop. Please visit www.IMSIdesign.com for more information.