Questions on Future of CAiCE Software at WisDOT

Copyright © 2004 Bob Persons

May 26, 2004

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	Gal  
Sent:	Monday, May 24, 2004 2:38 PM
To:	Big Group (including Me)
Subject:	Questions on Future of CAiCE Software at WisDOT

Several questions have arisen in the past weeks regarding the future of
CAiCE software at WisDOT.  To try to curtail rumors and the spread of
misinformation, the Methods Development Unit wants to inform you of what
is happening with the software and our plans for the future.

AutoDesk informed us in February that they are focusing their development
efforts on a new product called Civil 3D.  What does this mean to us?

1.	No more development will be done to the CAiCE product line.

2.	AutoDesk will continue to provide support and maintenance for CAiCE
as they have in the past.  Two service packs to the program per year will
address bug fixes.

3.	CAiCE is not going away and can continue to be used.  A sunset date
for the product has not been established.

4.	According to AutoDesk, Civil 3D will contain features that follow the
CAiCE model, particularly in the area of proposed roadway modeling.  

5.	AutoDesk will automatically convert our CAiCE licenses into Civil 3D
licenses; this is one of our options in transitioning to a new software
in the future. 

6.	Bentley Systems Inc. (the vendor of our CAD and plotting software)
also offers roadway design software (InRoads, Geopak and MX).  Bentley
tells us that these products will eventually evolve into a single product
at some point in the future, but no date is set.  This is also a
potential option we have for transitioning to a new software in the future.  

As always, we remain very much aware of opportunities in the industry for
the Department.  

The Methods Development Unit will lead the project that will transition
us to new roadway design software. Keep in mind that this transition will
not occur for 3-5 years.  For now, we are committed to the continued use
of CAiCE.  CAiCE training, support and development work will continue
until a reasonable and comprehensive plan to transition to a new product
has been developed.  

Please pass this information along to your staff as appropriate.  

Feel free to contact any member of the Methods Development Unit with your
thoughts or questions.

 -----------Reply----------
From: 	Me  
Sent:	Wednesday, May 26, 2004 7:51 AM
To:	Gal
Subject:	RE: Questions on Future of CAiCE Software at WisDOT

Nice note. If this were a speech by our beloved President, it would go
something like this.

AutoDesk informed us in February that they are focusing their development
efforts on a new product called Civil 3D. I want to assure all district
American engineers that we will not falter in our goal to bring the best
design software available to peace-loving engineers everywhere.

We have seen the efforts of the enemy to defeat this noble goal. They can
attempt to divide and destroy us, using Civil 3D, GeoPak, and other
weapons of mass destruction, but they cannot build. They can take life
away from those who stand tall in their defense of bug-free software, but
they cannot give life.

There have been some setbacks recently on this road to justice. But I
assure you that I will not fail to do what it takes to make the districts
free. Engineers do not want to live in a totalitarian state, neither do
we. Engineers look forward to the breath of fresh air that will come with
the perfect software, as will we. Engineers will discover the blessings
of perfect software and rejoice in it, and we will rejoice with them. The
enemy will not prevail. We will see this through and there will be
freedom, democracy, and highways that will be the envy of the world!

(Sounds good to me!)

 -----------Reply----------
From: 	Gal  
Sent:	Wednesday, May 26, 2004 8:54 AM
To:	Me
Subject:	RE: Questions on Future of CAiCE Software at WisDOT

Ok, that was hilarious.  You should get on his speech writing staff.
Seriously...

(Engineers look forward to the breath of fresh air that will come with
the perfect software, as will we. - Classic)

 -----------Reply----------
From:	Me
Sent:	Wednesday, May 26, 2004 9:20 AM

To:	Gal
Subject:	RE: Questions on Future of CAiCE Software at WisDOT

Actually, that IS from his speech writing staff. I stole it - just
substituted 'engineer' for 'Iraqi'. Hmm, should have put 'terrorist'
somewhere in there. And 'tax cuts'. And 'secret energy plan'. And
'Defense Planning Guidance'. And 'shock and awe'. And 'unknown knowns
that are known'. And, and ... Hmmm... I've got a lot of rewriting to do.
Gotta preserve that legacy.

- Lone Coyote Calls