TULSA, OKLAHOMA (January 21, 1997)--PennWell Publishing Co. announced today that it has purchased The CAD Rating Guide from Bethesda, Maryland-based ZEM Press.
The CAD Rating Guide is a 600-page reference book that contains in-depth vendor and product information on 140 different CAD/CAM, FEM (finite-element modeling), GIS (geographic information systems), and animation software packages. The product information includes detailed charts highlighting key software features and specifications, as well commentary from both vendors and users regarding product functionality. The book also includes a detailed productivity checklist for users and a comprehensive glossary of terms.
The guide was first published in 1989 by ZEM Press founder, W. Bradley Holtz and has since been updated every other year. It has rapidly established itself as unique, "must-have" tool for users looking to educate themselves, and to evaluate various software options prior to purchase. The guide serves as a critical information resource for professional users working in a wide variety of application areas including mechanical engineering, architecture, civil engineering, mapping, facilities management, and animation.
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Holtz will continue his role of developing and editing the content of The CAD Rating Guide for the foreseeable future as the book moves towards annual publication. PennWell will be responsible for the production and all other aspects of the publication. The 5th Edition of the guide is well under way and is expected to ship in May.
According to PennWell, operating responsibility for The CAD Rating Guide will now fall to its Graphics Group, which operates as part of PennWell’s Nashua, New Hampshire-based Advanced Technology Division (ATD). Among other titles, the Graphics Group produces Computer Graphics World magazine, a monthly publication focused on 3D modeling and animation technology for engineering and animation. It’s expected that The CAD Rating Guide and Computer Graphics World will greatly complement and enhance each other’s editorial missions.
"I'm delighted with this new arrangement." says Brad Holtz, founder of ZEM Press. "PennWell's worldwide distribution channel and technical publishing experience will allow The CAD Rating Guide to grow significantly in its reach, impact, and value. I'm truly looking forward to working with PennWell for the upcoming editions."
Besides his role as editor, publisher and founder of ZEM Press and The CAD Rating Guide, Holtz, a licensed architect, is a well-known consultant and lecturer in the field of computer-aided design. He heads up WBH Associates (Bethesda, MD), a company specializing in strategic consulting to the CAD industry, and for the last four years has also served as Conference Director for A/E/C SYSTEMS.
Founded in 1910, PennWell Publishing Co. is a highly diversified, rapidly expanding global business information provider serving a growing spectrum of industries and technologies. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, PennWell has offices in many of the leading cities throughout the U.S. and major business interests in Europe and Asia. PennWell’s magazines, conferences and exhibitions, newsletters, and other information products serve 1.5 million professionals who reside in more than 90 countries.
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