Huntsville, Alabama-based Intergraph Corp and its Dallas, Texas affiliate, Bentley Systems, have announced the upcoming release of MicroStation Nexus, describing it as landmark technology that opens the door to MicroStation for Windows users and AutoCAD users needing advanced performance and functionality. On the heels of a March announcement of Bentley Systems’ acquisition of technology for accessing .dwg format files, MicroStation Nexus offers the ability to directly use AutoCAD-based files. MicroStation Nexus includes a Windows Connection that provides a system for running computer-aided design software in the Microsoft Windows environment. MicroStation, according to Intergraph, includes more capabilities than AutoCAD, and the firm boasts that the addition of MicroStation Nexus, free to MicroStation users, is in keeping with the more for less approach of the Intergraph-Bentley team. Nexus offers four links to expanding the role of computer-aided design – Windows Connection, giving MicroStation personal computer users all the benefits and functions of Windows, such as cut and paste, Object Linking, and Dynamic Data Exchange, without the limitations of the 16-bit environment. With Windows Connection, MicroStation runs at 32-bit speed. AutoCAD Access, meanwhile, enables users to bring AutoCAD .dwg files directly into MicroStation. Integraph claims that files can be pulled up as fast and easily in MicroStation as in AutoCAD. AutoCAD Access also works with MicroStation Review, Intergraph’s new review and red-lining product. Configurability tools provide MicroStation customisation to the user, regardless of programming knowledge. Users can edit MicroStation tool palettes, menus and dialogue boxes in all environments. Flythrough Producer features animation-like functions enabling users to visualise three-dimensional designs dynamically based on camera paths around or through the model. The producer also works with MicroStation Review, enhancing management and client review. All MicroStation Nexus capabilities, with enhancements, will be incorporated into MicroStation v.5. For the personal computer, version 5 will be a 32-bit native Windows product that will run with Windows 3.1 and Windows NT. MicroStation, version 5, is slated for 1993. MicroStation Nexus will be available next month for Intergraph workstations, Apple Macintoshes and Quadras, Sun Sparcstations, Hewlett-Packard HP Apollo Series 700 workstations and personal computers. Version 4.0.3 or greater of MicroStation is required. The personal computer version of MicroStation Nexus includes the Windows Connection. Nexus is free to MicroStation users and will be incorporated with MicroStation in all subsequent deliveries of the product. MicroStation Nexus will be available from Intergraph Solution Centre dealers and direct from Intergraph; Nexus for the MicroStation personal computer will be distributed in mass quantity to MicroStation Manager subscribers in the August issue of the magazine. Users with maintenance contracts will automatically receive Nexus for MicroStation 32, MicroStation Sparc and MicroStation HP700 in the July CD uggrade.
