Integrated building models (in the form of object-oriented CAD) are becoming the "digital DNA" for providing services across the entire life cycle of a facility. They are the next step in added value that our industry is facing.
The emergence, popularity, and relatively low cost of handheld communication devices like cell phones, beepers, and PDAs (personal digital assistants) have changed the way architects and engineers work.
Many AEC activities need common basic data, but our industry's data usage requires different standards for the many functions and roles of a project team.