CAD: Autodesk & Boss Cast a Huge Net Over Hydrology Design ...

We take a look at Autodesk's purchase of StormNET, RiverCAD, and WaterNET from BOSS International.

Our readers know that if there are two things that we enjoy here at Kung Fu Drafter it is being armchair economists and seeking conspiracies and hidden plans where they do not exist. Fortunately for us Autodesk has made yet another maneuver to scratch both of those itches at once!

Earlier today Autodesk issued a press release to announce the acquisition of specified “assets” from BOSS International by Autodesk. The BOSS assets involved with this transaction are StormNET, RiverCAD, and WaterNET as well as Chris Maedor, the former president and CEO of BOSS International. Hey, if you are buying a car might as well get a driver, right?

Apparently Autodesk thinks so also. That could be why Maedor will leave BOSS and join Autodesk as an “industry solutions manager for the environmental industry.” Pretty sweet title, huh? The addition of Maedor indicates a close relationship between BOSS and Autodesk. What we found somewhat interesting is the fact that new licenses and customer support will be handled BOSS Computec, a former BOSS International subsidiary, in the short term. Could these mean that this deal is all fresh on ink and slow to start the roll?

If you are not familiar with StormNET and RiverCAD then you should check out these popular applications at the BOSS website. You can also learn more and maybe get in on the Beta of the WaterNET application for water distribution projects. Be sure to visit the Boss website and view the product demonstration video and listen to its groovy background music.

In the interest of honesty we should say that we are not hydrologists. We don't even work on hydrology projects here at the Kung Fu Dojo. Having said that, we actually thought that WaterNET had left beta a while back. But hey, what do we know?

What we do know is the addition of StormNET, RiverCAD, and WaterNET to Autodesk’s Hydraflow Extensions for Civil 3D are going to combine to make a pretty formidable suite of design software for engineers working on hydrology projects. The press release alludes to the integration or addition of these new assets to the existing Hydraflow Extensions somewhat implying a combined SKU with Civil 3D.

"StormNET for stormwater management analysis, RiverCAD for floodplain analysis, and WaterNET for water distribution analysis will be more closely integrated with Autodesk's model-based design solutions, including AutoCAD Civil 3D, to help engineers streamline workflows, reduce errors and boost productivity."

However our suspicions point to an entirely new water design product or suite of products coming from Autodesk in the next year or two. What can we say? We love to speculate.

Even colors can't make hydrology exciting ...

It certainly seems that hydrology engineers have some interesting developments ahead. There is no doubt that the addition of StormNET, RiverCAD and WaterNET will be a solid win for Autodesk. With Maedor on board to help guide the transition it is definitely off to a great start. If you are excited about this development, have your own observations or think our speculations are fueled by narcotics leave us a comment below. We’re so excited we could almost run out and try working on some hydrology projects. Almost ...

- KFD -