Information technology managers are being tasked with lowering costs and increasing the efficiency of their overall infrastructures. The good news is that these goals can be met with a focus on sustainability through wide area network (WAN) optimization, server virtualization, and shared storage. Centralizing data and applications in one location rather than across multiple locations of an organization reduces hardware footprint and conserves valuable resources. Read in this web-exclusive article — posted with the May issue of CE News at www.cenews.com — how WAN optimization solutions made this possible for Kleinfelder-S E A Consultants, Inc.

Maximize BIM with schedules
Recent advancements in building information modeling (BIM) parametric technology allow for bi-directional exchange of BIM data with external databases, which can be used for design; construction; and facility management, maintenance, and operations. Learn about the uses, power, and benefits of BIM schedules in this feature on www.bimchannel.com.

An article in the April issue of Structural Engineering & Design, “Who’s using BIM?” and online at www.gostructural.com, claims that BIM will fundamentally and historically change the process of designing structures before 2015. This bold claim is based on the results of a national survey and on the belief that BIM is a process that acts as an enabling catalyst to three major building industry drivers: virtual design and construction, integrated project delivery, and lean construction and the related topic of sustainable design.