In response to requests from many of our users, Computers and Structures, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of an Open Application Programming Interface (OAPI) for SAP2000. This OAPI provides developers of products for CADD and 3D modeling seamless and efficient access to all of the sophisticated analysis and design technology of SAP2000. Third-party developers can now create rich and tight two-way links with SAP2000, allowing for accurate transfer of models into SAP2000, complete control of SAP2000 execution, and extraction of analysis and design information out of SAP2000, all from within their application.

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This OAPI is compatible with most major programming languages, including Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Anyone familiar with Visual Basic programming should find the SAP2000 OAPI syntax easy and intuitive.

All of the OAPI functions are thoroughly documented in a searchable help file. This help file contains information on over 700 different SAP2000 OAPI functions, with the discussion for each function describing in detail the Syntax, the VB6 Procedure, and the Parameters along with Remarks on what the function does and a VBA Example.

Highlights of this OAPI include:

· Direct, fast and efficient access to all of the advanced numerical methods of SAP2000.

· Direct two-way data transfer without intermediate files provides the faster throughput important for large models.

· OAPI connections allow for multiple data exchange cycles between applications without the creation of a new model for each cycle.

· Use of the OAPI by third-party developers all but guarantees that their applications will remain compatible with future releases of SAP2000 – very important to the end-user

· Because OAPI developed links are robust and transparent, users will have a high level of comfort pertaining to the integrity of the information being transferred – very important to the developer.

· And lastly, any user who does their own programming can now develop their own custom interface for SAP2000, using their own application or any other application that allows for user programming.

This new module allows the power of SAP2000 to be harnessed in innovative and revolutionary ways, offering the developer the ability to tailor the SAP2000 analysis and design engines for use with their own application.

A similar OAPI will soon be available for ETABS. Any interfacing work done using the SAP2000 OAPI will be transferable and reusable with the ETABS, and vice-versa, as the capabilities and protocols of both OAPI’s are practically identical, resulting in a valuable two-for-one advantage.