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CIMsteel Integration Standards |
Software Vendor's Questions
Why should we offer CIS compatibility?
The end user can benefit greatly from the productivity benefits of CIS-enabled software, and so it is anticipated that users will increasingly demand compatibility in the products they buy.
Previous options have been tried, such as integrated solutions in one package ("this product can do it all"), and specialist applications with one-to-one translators. High development costs and a proliferation of proprietary translators have hampered these approaches.
A standard for data exchange means the vendor has only to write one import and one export translator for each application. Liaison with other vendors is not necessary to ensure compatibility.
What type of software should offer CIS compatibility?
Any software which develops information related to steel frames that could be used by other applications in the data chain, or packages which would benefit from data import to reduce manual input would benefit.
What is involved in developing a CIS translator?
Firstly, apply for the full CIS documentation by completing the CIS Registered Developer Form.
Translator development consists of two parts. Firstly, use the guides and descriptions of the four Data Exchange Protocols developed so far to map data entities and attributes from your software onto the CIS schema. Secondly, create the translator software to represent the data schema and the associated mapping to the base data.
The CIS data schema exists both as a paper definition and an EXPRESS language schema. Software tools are available to create the software to describe the schema from the EXPRESS source, and to assist in the creation of the appropriate cross mapping.
Which vendors are already committed to the CIS?
QSE, ACECAD, Intergraph and GoData launched their CIS enabled software at the DTI conference "Information Management for Competitiveness" on the 28th and 29th February 1996.
Look out for further product launches from these companies and others - including AutoDesk (UK), CADEX (Finland), CSC (UK), DSC (Germany), ATIR (Israel), Integer (UK), and TDV (Austria). (see Collaborators list for the address)
Click here for the latest news of CIS Product Developments
Can we get our CIS translators approved?
Yes. Submit your product to the Steel Construction Institute (see Collaborators list for the address). On approval this will allow use of the CIMsteel logo and compliance statements on the product.
Can we get our CIS translators tested?
Yes. Leeds University has started a preliminary service offering CIS compliance testing. For more details contact Alastair Watson.
Can we get publicity for our CIS applications?
CIS Registered Developers will be soon gain exposure via CIMsteel - a namecheck plus details of their CIS Applications. This will be via:
- the CIS WWW site,
- the CIMsteel Multimedia CD-ROM, and
- in printed CIMsteel material.
To ensure that you benefit from this, all Registered Developers should ensure that they keep LU fully informed of their development plans.
The CIMsteel Multimedia CD-ROM
In April 1997, CIMsteel will publish version 1 of the CIMsteel Multimedia CD-ROM, focusing on the CIS. This will be a short run of 500 or more, that will be distributed mainly in Singapore and the USA (AISC Conference).
Version 2 will be published before the end of 1997. This will address the full project, with increased CIS coverage. It is planned to distribute over 17,000 copies world wide via "The Structural Engineer" (The magazine of The Institution of Structural Engineers, UK).
Supplier's and Manufacturer's Questions
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This page is maintained by A.J.Crowley
Last updated 27th August 1997