Updated 3D design software
Autodesk, Inc., announced the 2011 release of its AutoCAD Civil 3D design software. New features include 64-bit support to improve performance and stability for memory-intensive tasks; improved memory management and system optimization for faster startup times and faster response times; point cloud functionality to generate surfaces directly from LiDAR point cloud data; roundabout layout tools to create and edit roundabouts more quickly; a dynamic relationship between roadway alignment and computed superelevation critical points; and tools to aid in creation of automated machine-guidance-ready surfaces. More efficient road and highway design functionality includes improved best-fit alignment and profile commands, the ability to create new alignments from all or part of an existing alignment, automatic rule-based curve widening, profile tangent extension to a PVI, and support for intersections located on spirals. Line-of-sight tools allow users to evaluate design alternatives visually for safety and performance.
Autodesk, Inc. — www.autodesk.com/civil3d

Professional liability insurance for small firms
XL Insurance unveiled XLsmartADVANTAGE, a specialized professional liability insurance program designed for small architectural and engineering firms. The XLsmartADVANTAGE professional liability program offers one- or two-year policy terms with limits up to $1 million. The program also includes Dollar One Defense; full prior acts coverage beginning the third consecutive year of coverage; one-time aggregate deductible at no additional cost; up to a 10-percent premium credit with loss prevention education program completion; education opportunities including online access to loss prevention education programs for continuing education credits; and online access to The XL Insurance Contract Guide for Design Professionals: A Risk Management Handbook for Architects and Engineers.
XL Insurance — www.xldp.com

Software supports roadway rehab
Bentley Systems, Inc., released Power InRoads and Power GEOPAK — extensions of InRoads Suite and GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite — which include Bentley Map functionality and integration with ProjectWise Navigator V8i and other ProjectWise collaboration services. Power InRoads and Power GEOPAK also feature all the drafting and document production capabilities of MicroStation, without the need for a MicroStation license. Power InRoads and Power GEOPAK feature full DGN and RealDWG support and include all of the new V8i (SELECTseries 1) enhancements to InRoads and GEOPAK, including tools for overlay, milling, and resurfacing, and the incorporation of data acquisition, advanced geometry, visualization, drafting and drawing production, and customizable context-sensitive interfaces.
Bentley Systems, Inc. — www.bentley.com

Document management and viewing software
Oracle announced AutoVue 20.0 for viewing, reviewing, and collaborating on asset and engineering documents and information across a global enterprise. The latest major release introduces an architecture that the company says scales with an organization’s requirements and more efficiently serves the document visualization and collaboration needs of enterprise and desktop users. AutoVue’s open and standards-based integration capabilities allow users to integrate AutoVue into enterprise applications and to access documents stored in various content repositories. AutoVue 20.0 includes a new built-in offline mode that enables field workers to capture updates while working offline and then incorporate them into enterprise systems once they are back online. Advancements for 3D large-model handling improve interaction with 3D data by increasing file-access speeds and reducing the memory required.
Oracle — www.oracle.com

Smaller, faster workstations
HP announced upgrades to its desktop and laptop workstations for engineering applications. The HP Z200 SFF Workstation is almost two-thirds smaller than the Z200 minitower workstation and offers dual-core processor options based on the new Intel Core i3 and i5 series, as well as quad-core processor options based on the enterprise-class Intel Xeon 3400 series. The HP Z200 SFF supports up to 16 gigabytes (GB) of ECC memory and up to 2 terabytes of high-speed storage. It also includes professional 2-D and 3-D graphics options. HP Z800, Z600, and Z400 workstations with the new Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series now offer as many as 12 cores with integrated memory controllers, Intel Turbo Boost Technology, and Intel Hyper-Threading Technology. The HP EliteBook 8740w Mobile Workstation features a 17-inch diagonal display, a range of Intel processors including Core i7 Extreme Edition, and support for up to 16 GB of memory.
HP — www.hp.com