Which version for new business?

This post does not really belong in this section, but I could not access the correct subject area for this. Anyway, my question is:

I am currently a project manager for a small architectural firm with 10 years of cad experience as well. After two years managing projects, I'm thinking some parts of the job is just not for me. Long story short, I am close to going on my own and doing contract work under my one-man small business. I have a great resource of clients and other firms that I will work closely with on a project by project basis, so there's no reason I should not succeed with my business plan.

My current small firm is behind a bit, and we using AutoCad 2002 still. I've dabbled with 04, and ADT, but still behind I'm sure on the newer versions. My question is, which version should I purchase, and is it worth purchacing a subscription in order to continue updating? I am assuming 2009 would make the most sence, but I'm worried this will be too big of a jump and I'll be lost. I do plan on taking some refresher trainning either way, and will definately get trainning for the new version I'll be purchasing if I go that route.

Also, do you have any opinions on what most architectrual firms are using, and leaning towards for the future? Is Revit or ADT the way to go? Any opinions on how I should approach my business with regards to autocad? I do plan on staying current and up-to-date,...just need a starting point.

This post does not really belong in this section, but I could not access the correct subject area for this. Anyway, my question is:

 

I am currently a project manager for a small architectural firm with 10 years of cad experience as well. After two years managing projects, I'm thinking some parts of the job is just not for me. Long story short, I am close to going on my own and doing contract work under my one-man small business. I have a great resource of clients and other firms that I will work closely with on a project by project basis, so there's no reason I should not succeed with my business plan.

 

My current small firm is behind a bit, and we using AutoCad 2002 still. I've dabbled with 04, and ADT, but still behind I'm sure on the newer versions. My question is, which version should I purchase, and is it worth purchacing a subscription in order to continue updating? I am assuming 2009 would make the most sence, but I'm worried this will be too big of a jump and I'll be lost. I do plan on taking some refresher trainning either way, and will definately get trainning for the new version I'll be purchasing if I go that route.

 

Also, do you have any opinions on what most architectrual firms are using, and leaning towards for the future? Is Revit or ADT the way to go? Any opinions on how I should approach my business with regards to autocad? I do plan on staying current and up-to-date,...just need a starting point.

dont waste time moving up to 05 or something like that..get training in 09 and then go that route....you will have spent more billable time jumping from 02 to 05..then later to 09....make the big jump now and save time/money. get the subscription and stay up to date...its cheaper in the long run....

I think ADT is the way to go but Im not as familiar with your field as some others in this forum....im sure their advice is on the way.

you have not mentioned where r u based? so it will be difficult for people to advice. I can only share my experiance. I started similar thing you are doing now, a year before. I was tight on budget & so purchased LT2008 and that was enough for me for the type of work I was getting, but now I have purchased 2009 full version, to expand my horizon. Companies are inquiring about Revit but it will tkae some time to get there yet. so next year may be I will switch to ReVIT.

Dito to the above, good luck with your company

also whats different in ReVIT than in AutoCAD 2009?

just curious

dont waste time moving up to 05 or something like that..get training in 09 and then go that route.....

I agree

But I wouldn't get a subsription either

You don't need to be some of the first to get the latest

Let other people test it so acad can work out the bugs first

You have a new business to run. You don't have time to work for free as an autocad tester supplying feedback for the programmers

However if you choose to do this anyway, Thank you for helping to work out the bugs so that most will be gone before I upgrade

I am assuming 2009 would make the most sence, but I'm worried this will be too big of a jump and I'll be lost. I do plan on taking some refresher trainning either way, and will definately get trainning for the new version I'll be purchasing if I go that route.

ADT would be a great choice for an architectural firm. CAD2009 as you mention is a big jump based from the previuos version you've been using. Picking between thses two would be the way to go but training is necessary to get the most out of it, after all, a piece of software is only as good as the one who handles it.

Stick with vs. 2002 for awhile, until you get the chance to move up to vs. 2009.

Then, I would work with both programs on the PC.

Train on 2009 but, crunch work out in 2002.

I'm with hotrodz. I say jump into '09 Architectural or Revit and get the training. To do this you may need to get a small business loan, but I think if you have the work lined up already that's no big deal. Build a strong relationship with your vendor and let them in on your plan. Perhaps they will work with you and give you discounts with the training if they know you will be a repeat customer.

Or if you are unable to get this sort of funding try to train yourself. It is difficult for some, but it's possible.