RetrieveMedia Releases Fully Searchable National CAD Standard 3.1 Online
(April 7, 2006)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Titus
Technical Project Coordinator, CSI
(800) 689-2900 x 4750
atitus@csinet.org
WASHINGTON, DC—The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Retrieve are proud to announce the availability of the National CAD Standard 3.1 vBook®.
The NCS 3.1 vBook® represents a new way to access the information contained within the NCS guidelines. Users access vBooks® online, where content is presented as a combination of narrated screen capture videos, audio narration of content, and traditional text and diagrams.
Users may now access the National CAD Standard from any internet connection, and conduct quick and easy searches that yield results in a multi-media format. As an added benefit, the online presentation of the NCS makes it extremely easy to update, ensuring that users always have access to most current version of the standard.
vBooks® are accessed online and navigated through an intuitive layout that is familiar to all—leveraging the traditional layout of a book (a table of contents and an alphabetized index), combined with the power of complex search technology. vBooks® are an easily searchable knowledgebase - the table of contents, the index, and the text search results link to specific topics in the National CAD Standard vBook®. By clicking on their selections from the table of contents or the index, or by entering keywords in the search box, users can quickly navigate and drill down into video and traditional content to pinpoint and view NCS content on specific topics.
The NCS vBook® pricing will be comparable to the traditional printed and shipped version. Individuals who have purchased a copy of the National CAD Standard version 3.1 will also receive a substantial discount to the NCS vBook®. This exciting new product will be available through CSI, NIBS, the AIA and RetrieveMedia (www.retrievemedia.com).
About RetrieveMedia
RetrieveMedia develops and markets vBooks for a wide variety of software applications. The vBooks® are comprised almost entirely of narrated screen capture videos, that walk you through the narrated steps to perform the functions that you need to accomplish.
vBooks® leverage the latest technology from RetrieveMedia to drastically revolutionize the way that you learn and get help on the latest software products. vBooks® are laid out similar to traditional books, with a table of contents and an index, but since the vBooks are accessed online, they also can be searched.
The content in a vBook® is what really sets them apart from all other books out there. Each vBook® is comprised of narrated screen capture videos that literally show you exactly how to master specific topics. While traditional books attempt to tell you how to use the features and functionality of a product, a vBook® literally shows you; a vastly superior learning solution in a fraction of the time.
From a novice learning the basics of a product, to experts mastering advanced techniques, tricks and functionality, there is a vBook® for every user.
About the NCS
U.S. National CAD Standard Version 3.1 consists of AIA's CAD Layer Guidelines, CSI's Uniform Drawing System (Modules 1-8), and the Tri-Service Plotting Guidelines.
The NCS coordinates these CAD-related publications to allow consistent and streamlined communication among owners and design/construction teams. Version 3.1 with searchable CD is now available for purchase. The price is $350 ($250 for members of AIA, CSI, or NIBS). Use of the NCS will result in reduced costs for developing and maintaining office standards and the transfer of building design data from design to facility management.
Adoption of the U.S. National CAD Standard by the building design and construction industry is voluntary. However, several government agencies have adopted the standard, while dozens of public and private organizations are in various stages of implementation for the design, construction and operation of building facilities. See a list of adopters.
About the AIA
Since 1857, the AIA has represented the professional interests of America's architects. As AIA members, over 74,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners express their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and communities. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect's dedication to the highest standards in professional practice. For more information visit www.aia.org, or call 800-AIA-3837.
About CSI
CSI is a national association of specifiers, architects, engineers, contractors, building materials suppliers and others involved in commercial and institutional building design and construction. The organization has 145 chapters and more than 16,000 members. CSI provides technical information and products, continuing education, professional conferences, and product shows to enhance communication among all disciplines of building design and construction, and to meet the industry's need for a common system of organizing and presenting construction information. For more information, visit www.csinet.org, or call 800-689-2900.
About NIBS
NIBS is a non-profit, non-governmental organization bringing together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to focus on the identification and resolution of problems and potential problems that hamper the construction of safe, affordable structures for housing, commerce and industry throughout the United States. NIBS provides an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sector of the economy with respect to the use of building science and technology. For more information, visit www.nibs.org, or call 202-289-7800.