# Web-based AEC Systems

**URL:** <https://forum.4specs.com/t/web-based-aec-systems/133>\
**Category:** Computers, the Internet and Networking\
**Created:** [May 12, 2003, 4:15pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/web-based-aec-systems/133 "2003-05-12T16:15:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Paul\_Doherty\_AIA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b3f665/32.png) [@Paul\_Doherty\_AIA](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Paul_Doherty_AIA)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 4:15pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/web-based-aec-systems/133/1 "2003-05-12T16:15:12Z")

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I would enjoy a discussion regarding AEC firms adoption of web-based systems.

Ive been involved intimately with the first generation of these systems like:  
Blueline/Online/Cephren/Bidcom/Citadon  
Buzzsaw  
Constructware

Lately, many firms Ive been bumping into are using some of these systems in meaningful ways (i.e.; value-add). Ive also seen some huge strides and inroads being made with web-based systems that can best be called the Second Generation like:  
Meridian Prolog  
Primavera PrimeContract  
TRIRIGA

My first questions to yall would be:

1. Are Web-based systems being used in your organization?
2. What features would you, as a specifier, like to see in a web-based system?
3. What would you pay for something like this?

In my world, I would love to see a web-based system that would stop focusing only on document management and move into real-time data. An example would be a feature that would allow a specifier a Semantic search through the Web and other Internet resources. This means that when I search for a gliding door that another manufacturer may call a sliding door, that the web-based system will understand this and find all data relevant to my search. This is a small example, but I think you get the picture.

Unfortunately, most of the Web systems for our industry are Web-enabled rather than Web-based. The difference being that software built for computers (MAC, Windows, etc.) that have Web elements are called Web-enabled, rather than software that was designed and built for the Internet from scratch, leveraging databased elements and processes (Web-based).

Im also finding that firms are very unwilling to pay much for this, even in the second generation services. I guess its the chicken and egg game you know you want it, but its another cost and who is going to pay for it.

Comments?

- Paul