Question

When installing AECOsim Building Designer CONNECT Edition, the installer dialog includes references to other "Companion" products.  What are these?

Answer

These options simplify the task of installing additional products during the AECOsim Building Designer CONNECT Edition installation process. 

The Companion Features option allows you to install GenerativeComponents Extension and/or Descartes as integrated features available from within AECOsim Building Designer CONNECT Edition. 

The Companion Applications option allows you to download and install Bentley LumenRT on-demand as a separate application.

In future releases the products available as Companion Features and Companion Applications may be subject to change.

Notes:

Descartes requires a separate license independent of AECOsim Building Designer.

From AECOsim Building Designer CONNECT Edition Update 2, when installed, LumenRT will run in Designer Mode at no additional cost to all Bentley CONNECT subscribers. The full functionality of LumenRT will be available if a separate LumenRT license is available.

The GenerativeComponents Extension, while also licensed, is a SELECT subscription benefit (the standalone version of GenerativeComponents continues to be a free download).

If GenerativeComponents is selected, a separate shortcut will be added to the start menu to start AECOsim Building Designer CONNECT Edition with GenerativeComponents.