New Release Is First Comprehensive, Intelligent AutoCAD-Based Electrical Systems Design Package for Commercial, Institutional, and Industrial Facilities

EXTON, Pa., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Bentley Systems, Incorporated, the leading company dedicated to providing comprehensive software solutions for the infrastructure that sustains our world, today announced the release of Bentley Building Electrical Systems V8i for AutoCAD. This innovative product is the first comprehensive and intelligent AutoCAD-based electrical systems software for the integrated design and analysis, documentation, construction, and management of everything from power distribution and lighting systems to fire detection, security, communications, and other electrical/electronic systems in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities. Developed for the demanding needs of electrical engineers, designers, and contractors, this easy-to-use software increases productivity, design quality, and accuracy; saves time and money; enables bidirectional interoperability with analysis programs; and facilitates sustainable designs.

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Rob Whitesell, senior vice president, Building and Plant Products, Bentley Software, said, "A key advantage of this unique software offering is that it adds electrical design capabilities to a user's existing CAD environment, reducing costs and accelerating implementation. It also provides bidirectional compatibility with MicroStation, AutoCAD, and Revit, and offers an efficient migration path to 3D and Building Information Modeling."

The software's dedicated productivity tools automate and clearly capture design, while its bidirectional interoperability with analysis applications -- including Bentley's building performance analysis software -- shortens the design/analysis process and eliminates transcription errors. At the same time, it ensures compliance with energy efficiency standards such as ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED, facilitating sustainable design.

Bentley Building Electrical Systems V8i for AutoCAD makes CAD-based design of electrical systems easy and intuitive. However, this stand-alone software also provides advanced capabilities that empower users to design with greater freedom by:

    --  Facilitating stepwise refinement of design, minimizing rework by
        allowing users to add design detail as it becomes available;
    --  Making it possible for users to focus on engineering design versus
        drafting, increasing productivity and creativity;
    --  Facilitating not only transparent access to electrical design
        information on demand, but also the reuse of design data.

For additional information about Bentley Building Electrical Systems V8i for AutoCAD, visit www.bentley.com/BBESforACAD.

About Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Bentley is the global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 2,700 colleagues and offices in more than 45 countries, had 2008 revenues surpassing $500 million, and, since 1993, has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions.

For additional information about Bentley, visit www.bentley.com. To subscribe to an RSS feed of Bentley press releases, visit www.bentley.com/rss/news. To view a searchable collection of the year's top infrastructure projects from the annual Be Awards of Excellence (which this year becomes the Be Inspired Awards), visit www.bentley.com/yearininfrastructure. For information about Be Communities, a professional networking site that enables members of the infrastructure community to connect, communicate, and learn from each other, visit http://communities.bentley.com.

Bentley, the "B" Bentley logo, Be, and MicroStation are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Web site: http://www.bentley.com/