In November of 2013, the exciting news that the business of Engineering Systems, and the Microstran software product line, are now part of Bentley Systems was announced. The popular software products Microstran, Limcon, and MStower are now part of Bentley’s structural analysis and design portfolio alongside RAM and STAAD. Further, the Engineering Systems staff has joined our Bentley offices in Australia, bringing with them over 25 years of experience in developing and supporting a market leading software solution for structural engineers and designers. This article addresses some commonly asked questions concerning the acquisition.
How does the acquisition affect the Microstran product line?
Microstran is now being packaged and licenced a little differently than it has been in the past. Specifically, Microstran is now offered in three tiers:
- Microstran
- Microstran.Pro
- Microstran.Advanced
Each of these tiers contains an increasing number of features that in the past were sold as separate add-ons by Engineering Systems. Microstran contains elastic critical load analysis and master-slave constraints. Microstran.Pro contains the prior two add-ons, plus dynamic analysis (eigenvalues), cable elements, reinforced concrete design, and steel detailing neutral format. Microstran.Advanced contains all previously mentioned add-ons plus moving loads, gap and fuse elements, and response spectrum analysis.
The design code standards are still offered as individual add-ons that can be applied to any of the three tiers. This is also true of the integrated steel connection design feature within Microstran.
How does the acquisition affect maintenance and support?
Engineering Systems customers will be contacted just prior to the expiration of their existing maintenance plan with Engineering Systems. At this time you will be presented options for moving onto a Bentley SELECT maintenance plan, which will give you access to a wealth of new benefits in support of your Microstran products. A Bentley SELECT plan includes:
- Annual software upgrades and incremental updates – accessible any time
- Unlimited technical support - 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
- Software licencing over the internet (no more dongles)
- Floating network licencing
- Online training resources
- Access to technology previews and early adopter programs
- Free iPad and desktop utility applications
- Ability to review and manage your software usage
See the following link for more information on Bentley SELECT:
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Subscriptions/Bentley+SELECT/
What does the future hold for the Microstran product line?
Engineering Systems technology is an important part of our initiatives to better serve Australia, New Zealand, and greater SEAPAC. In the coming months, you can expect the following enhancements:
- Access to your products without the need of a hardware dongle.
- Export capabilities that will allow reuse of Microstran models in other Bentley design, detailing, collaboration, and mobile products.
- These benefits will be available only to Bentley SELECT subscribers.
Further, later in 2014 we will be releasing a state of the art tower analysis and design product that is the best of Bentley and Engineering Systems combined technology. Customers whose MStower product is covered under Bentley SELECT will not be required to pay an upgrade fee for this product.
Who do I contact for more information?
You may continue to direct queries to:
Alternatively, if you are new to the Microstran product line and would like more information, please contact:
- Sandra Mora, at Sanrda.Mora@bentley.com in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
- Ingrid Brock, at Ingrid.Brock@bentley.com in all other regions.
Existing Bentley customers may also contact their current sales representative.