VectorWorks 2008 offers robust CAD management, useful tools, true reference files and immediate BIM capability. In the past VectorWorks from Nemetschek may have lacked some of the 'heavy lifting' capabilities of other CAD/BIM (building information modeling) software packages, but VectorWorks 2008 corrects these defects by scrapping its system of 'workgroup' referencing and adopting a true referencing system along the lines of AutoCAD, MicroStation and Revit. VectorWorks 2008 accommodates multiple paths used for team building the core, envelope and other structural elements, such as support for object transparencies, unlimited colors and color swatch libraries from Pantone, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and others. VectorWorks 2008 also does a good job of importing and exporting files, including Google Sketchup models and AutoCAD 2007/2008 files. Meanwhile, questions of standards abound as the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) promotes an internationally recognized standard for the interoperability in AEC, the National Institute of Building Science (NIBS) is in the process of developing a National BIM Standard (NBIMS) standard to replace and incorporate the National CAD Standard (NCS) and the US General Services Administration (GSA) now requires IFC certification for all federal design projects. Nemetschek supports the NBIMS effort. Currently, VectorWorks 2008 has earned an IFC2x3 (level 1) rating from the GSA. Although VectorWorks 2008 may not provide the greatest level of ease revising drawings, it does not commit the user to a standard that precludes a return to non-BIM production. VectorWorks 2008 offers robust CAD management, useful tools, true reference files and immediate BIM capability.