Virtual Building solutions technology, Graphisoft ArchiCAD 9, now also ships for Macintosh and Windows platforms. ArchiCAD 9 delivers new and enriched capabilities designed to help users compete for business more effectively and boost business efficiency. The latest release is even more easy to use and enriches the capabilities of the flagship product ArchiCAD with powerful new functionality and polished workflow to maximise architectural productivity and drive innovation.

"We have had tremendously positive feedback from our customers as we went through the development of ArchiCAD 9 with them. It is a delight to see so many users go into production with Version 9, well before our official product shipment," says Bence Kovacs, vice president of product management. "With increased ease-of-use and enhanced features for greater productivity, ArchiCAD 9 represents the most comprehensive Virtual Building solution for the architectural profession."

Graphisoft's ArchiCAD 9 powers the designs of buildings of all sizes, from initial design concept to realisation, in a single model. The software's new features and capabilities are a direct result of Graphisoft soliciting its customers' feedback and truly understanding their needs.

Architects seek the tool that will allow them to focus on design - the art of their profession - not the challenge of mastering the working methods of various computer-aided design (CAD) and modelling tools. ArchiCAD 9 offers architects a fresh look and feel with a simpler, uncluttered interface, making it easier than ever before for both long-time users and beginners to gain access to the full power of the Virtual Building. As a result, architects can use ArchiCAD 9 to spend more time on what they enjoy doing most - designing.

ArchiCAD has been designed from the start to support the way architects think and work on a day-to-day basis, and Graphisoft continues to refine the world's best workflow for the architectural practice. In ArchiCAD 9, Graphisoft worked closely with its customer base to refine existing functions in order to better meet its users' needs. These enhancements will significantly reduce iterative work and further increase productivity.

ArchiCAD 9 offers robust new functions that improve productivity when creating presentations and architectural documentation. Top new productivity-boosting features include enhanced text formatting, innovative customisation features and the rendering engine.

ArchiCAD 9 also provides the implementation of LightWorks, the industry standard, high-quality rendering engine, dramatically boosts presentation capabilities and supports dual processor machines for high performance; speed has been substantially increased especially in key areas like automatic section generation, which is up to 10 times faster in AC9; a new, powerful text-editing tool allows architects to create and import richer text information quickly and easily; Work Environment customisation enhances productivity and increases staff performance; and users can now share customised Work Environments, providing a powerful tool for CAD managers to create and maintain company standards.

For more information contact Edwin Ramkelawan, TotalCAD Solution Centre - South Africa, 031 201 5495.