Adding support for browser-based rendering and drawing editing is a major goal for the alliance.

The Open Design Alliance (ODA) has released its first beta of a cloud framework for use by the developers of design software compatible with the .dwg format. The goal is to provide a framework for member companies to add browser-based features to their software products. The platform is part of the Teigha technology platform the ODA publishes for its members to use in software development.

The ODA is a non-profit consortium of software companies and end users that work to maintain open industry standards for design technology. It primarily supports the .dwg format popularized by Autodesk AutoCAD, but also supports an open version of the .dgn file format popularized by Bentley MicroStation, and the PDF document standard.

“We see strong demand for a general purpose browser-based rendering solution, and Teigha Cloud meets this demand,” says Neil Peterson, ODA President. “ODA members now have the ability to incorporate Teigha rendering into their own web applications using a standard framework, without the need for plugins.”

Tersion 4.0.1 contains the beta release of Teigha Cloud, ODA’s framework for cloud-based rendering of .dwg and .dgn files. Teigha Cloud allows ODA members to implement customized applications that can render and manipulate drawing files within any WebGL enabled browser. The beta release provides improved performance and a streamlined client interface, making it easier for ODA members to customize Teigha Cloud for their requirements.

In addition, version 4.0.1 includes newly added support for Associative Arrays, which can be used to create groups of objects in a pattern. Also included are improvements to .dgn file import functionality, support for iOS 8, enhancements to Teigha mobile support, and fixes for issues reported by ODA members.

Teigha version 4.0.1 is available for download by ODA members at www.opendesign.com.