The CAD Rating Guide, 3rd Edition
By W. Bradley Holtz, Foreword by Dr. Joel Orr

A Tool for the Evaluation of Computer-Aided Design Systems
including FEM, GIS and Animation Systems

A Comprehensive Comparison of Over 100 CAD Systems

Intended as a tool for use when evaluating different CAD systems, the
purpose of The CAD Rating Guide is to navigate the reader past the maze of
statistics, benchmarks, buzzwords, and canned demonstrations to get to the
heart of the matter -- What difference does the choice of a particular CAD
system make? The concepts necessary to answer this question are presented
in the first part of the book, the remainder of the book consists of
product data and user responses, comparison tables, and categorical
listings.

Potential readers include those looking for their first CAD System,
existing users of CAD systems preparing to switch systems, and the vast
majority of current CAD users who work with, or are planning to work with,
multiple systems.

The CAD Rating Guide is unique in several ways. First, it is not a book of
comparative or numerical ratings, it is a tool for you to use as a basis
for forming your own evaluations. The CAD Rating Guide looks at CAD
systems as complex, multi-faceted creatures, each composed of the product,
what it does, who else uses it, the company that makes it and their
policies and stability, who the product is targeted at, and so on. The
book is focused on the ways in which the CAD systems are structured. It
provides insight as to the bottom-line impact of each element of the
analysis and, it provides a common ground for the evaluation of a rapidly
changing technology and marketplace in order to enable the comparison and
discussion of systems.

What areas does it cover?

All traditional Mechanical and A/E/C CAD uses plus any and all other
applications, with the specific inclusion of GIS (Geographic Information
Systems), FEM (Finite Element Modeling), and Animation systems where those
systems can generate their own models. Systems designed solely for the
purposes of printed circuit board and integrated circuit electrical design
are not included.

What is it?

A reference work for CAD systems and for the comparison of CAD systems, 505
pages of background information, vendor and product data, and user
comments on 105 programs for mechanical design and drafting, mapping,
three-dimensional modeling, structural analuysis, NC tooling, and
animation. Includes comments from individual users of the CAD systems and
statements from the CAD vendors. 546 words in an illustrated glossary. 68
pages of tables, plus 30 pages of categorical listings. Extensive 1600
entry index. Includes diskette.

Completely Revised Third Edition
* Almost entirely rewritten.
* The Big Picture chapter presents a non-traditional, more 
  inclusive, method for examining CAD systems which is followed 
  throughout the book.
* New Chapter -- Productivity Checklist.
* Revised tables - easire to comprehend, much more information, plus 
  new tables.
* Revised key to tables is located on a foldout flap at the back.
* Revised product listings - new format, additional categories, 
  additional lists.
* New chapter - Products Not Otherwise Listed, shows significant 
  products from 239 companies not listed elsewhere in the book.
* The Microsoft Excel files used to create the tables are included 
  on disk. (DOS only, several formats)

Who is it for?
* CAD Managers
* CAD users
* Anyone interested in purchasing a CAD system
* CAD vendors

How do I get it?

Cost is $150 for the 1993 3rd Edition ($195 international), plus Maryland
sales tax and $5 shipping/handling per book.

ZEM Press
8220 Stone Trail Dr, Suite 8, Bethesda, MD 20817-4556
301-365-1159;  fax: 301-365-4586

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