In a bit of a surprising move, Riverbed essentially hung Autodesk out to dry with a conference call and webcast pointing the finger directly at Autodesk for issues with Riverbed hardware and 2007 format DWG files. You can view the webinar here, and download the PDF they released here.

It seems that Riverbed has been catching a lot of heat from users complaining about the lack of updates and functionality. It’s not unusual for developers to point the fingers at each other during a support call chase, but to air the laundry in public points to a breakdown in communication between the two parties. Based on casual inquiries, and out own attempts to get definitive answers on this subject over the years, it doesn’t seem that chatter was ever as open as it should be. For Riverbed, a company that made the AEC industry its bread and butter, this smacks of a desperate attempt to deflect some heat.

Edit: Someone pointed out that I’d given some serious love to Riverbed just over a year ago in this post. I did. I think they’re marvelous tools. Here’s the problem with that older post: the test was done with Inventor. Inventor doesn’t use dwg files. Damnit, that means all bets are off.

Have a Riverbed? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

We’re working on the next release of EE’s ProPack tools, and looking for your input. We’ve set up a survey, so go tell us what’s on your mind and win cool stuff.

Click Here to take survey

So you’ve decided that you’re going to tackle the two most often misunderstood things inside Civil 3D - Vault and the Survey Database. You’ve created a Vault project and you flip over to the survey tab of toolspace and notice that there’s now a Survey Database with the same name. Cool! This software really is smart, it knew I was going to create a Survey Database! You get ready to get down and get busy, and create a network - BZZZT! You get an error saying that the Survey Database isn’t writable, and that you may not have permissions to access it. Now you go into full-on panic mode, eventually slipping off into the muttering frenzy of how badly this software sucks and how it won’t do what you want it to do.  Settle down, there’s a really good explanation.  Follow the link to lower your blood pressure just a little bit.

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I am here. You’ve missed me, eh? Well, I’ve put aside writing our two new books about the next release (an updated Mastering and a new title called Introducing), and my web training for just a few minutes to talk about something I’ve had on my mind for a long time.

The symptoms: Civil 3D had been working fine. You were modeling, building and shaping the land. Then BANG. Changing from one layout to another takes forever (such as 30 seconds or more). Regen times are slow. And plotting? Try sending a 20 sheet plan set to the plotter, go to the vending machine in the basement then back up to the 5th floor to chat up the receptionist for say, 3 hours (literally). Then your plot will appear. Or not.

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Itasca, Illinois (February 20, 2008)- Engineered Efficiency, Inc., in its continued quest to bring the best minds in the nation to bear on the tasks of integrating advanced 3D modeling software into industry workflows, is pleased to announce the addition of Joshua Modglin to its team of experts. Joshua will assist EE in the ongoing development of its ProPack line of Civil 3D add-on applications. Read more about Joshua after the jump.

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Overall, I’m a fan of 2009. A really big fan. It’s ugly, but I think James already discussed that at length. But there are two features of the new release that I hold very near and dear to my heart - want to find out more? Follow the link…

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Yep, some things are near certain. It’s February, it’s World Press Day, and it’s release time. Over the next few weeks and months as we get close to the actual release of a Civil 3D 2009 Product, we’ll be bringing you the highs and lows of the 2009 version. We got at least pseudo clearance to WRITE about Civil 3D 2009 today, but I’m still not convinced we’re allowed to TALK about it. Yeah, it’s a confusing mess, but hey, since I have it in writing from someone that should know, we’re rolling with it. Read on past the jump to get the good, the bad, and the ugly highlights of Civil 3D 2009.

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Shaan Hurley’s get post about AutoCAD Troubleshooting Tip Getting Naked reminded me about a post I felt the need to discuss.   Profiles and Arguments.

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There has been a lot of Discussion Group posts about the error in the HydraFlow Storm Sewers Extension on Import.   IMPORT ERROR! An error occurred processing this XML Import.

Want to find out why?

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We are pleased to announce the creation of a new Opportunities page on civil3d.com. As the industry leader with over 2000 registered, experienced AutoCAD Civil 3D users, we are presenting our users and the engineering firms that visit a unique opportunity to match up users with a passion for advanced Civil design software with positions demanding top performers. The Opportunities page at civil3d.com will include only openings from employers looking to hire the best Civil 3D users in private and public design firms.

Looking for New Experts?
Your job opening should include a one-line title and a 150-word description. With each ad, we will include a reply to address that goes to the Civil3d.com Opportunities team, and forwards to your HR or hiring staff. This lets us measure the success of our efforts and filter out spam or inappropriate senders.

The listing cost for an opening on civil3d.com Opportunities is $250 per month. Upon hiring through civil3d.com Opportunities, we also require a placement fee equivalent to 10% of the new employee’s base salary. Multiple hires will be noted, and fees can be reduced in those cases.

As an introduction to this service and as a way to test both the site and the system, we will waive the initial listing cost for all ads placed before the end of February 8th, 2008. These ads will renew in a month at the standard rate. Any hires from these ads will still be subject to the hiring fee, but consider it a free test of the users and expertise level you’ll find in the civil3d.com community. Download the Opportunities Agreement here and let’s get started.

Looking for a New Challenge?
If you are looking for new challenges, watch the Opportunities page grow. We’ll post a e-mail link for you to submit a resume your resume in PDF format. Your resume will go to the firm advertising, then it’s up to you to show your stuff.

If you use our service, we want to know about it! We will pay a 2% bonus to civil3d.com users that accept an offer through the Opportunities page, and send us a copy of their offer. We’re looking to help make the Opportunities page the best market for matching the best in firms using Civil 3D with readers looking to expand their skills and opportunities.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. We look forward to pairing up the best users with the best firms!