Armstrong: Clean, simple and to-the-point

Jim Simmons, Research Fellow

Since coming on board with the labs, I've explored many things and written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from the very complex to the very simple. This one is refreshingly simple. While most have pondered what features may be included in our appraisal software, one encouraged each of us to consider leveraging our appraisal related skills to diversify our practices. Right now we're very interested in WinTOTAL version 6, codenamed Armstrong, whose graduation from the labs isn't too far away. If you've poked around the labs website you know by now that Armstrong is a ground up rewrite of WinTOTAL. As such, it will by nature derive some of its characteristics from previous generations, most notably Athena (version 4) and Aurora (version 5). Since it will be written in C# (pronounced C Sharp), an entirely new language from previous versions, there will also be something different in look and feel. Beyond the more modern look and functionality of the user interface, this language in Microsoft's .NET (pronounced "dot net") family promises to result in a platform that's more stable and nimble than any version we've had yet.

After ample time in the pre-production, "outlining" phase best suited to the technical staff at a la mode, we Research Fellows are now participating in the pre-alpha process. For any rank-and-file appraiser such as myself, this is an interesting experience to say the least. While it wouldn't be appropriate or relevant at this point to cite any specifics of design or function suffice it to say the anticipation we have as Research Fellows and appraisers is significant. After all, it's most likely a once-in-a-career opportunity for a professional in any field to participate in the creation of the software that will become their working environment for years to come. It's a testament to a la mode they should choose to integrate their users into the creation process. It is my firm belief, if we can manage to stay on point, the resulting application will set a new standard in appraisal software.

While the initial offering will be the "entry level" Standard Edition, make no mistake it will have all the features and forms needed to complete any residential assignment plus a desktop level of the DaVinci sketching program thrown in to boot. How cool is that?! For "Power Users" we'll have to wait until the Enterprise Edition with databases, XSite connectivity, and the like are added a little later. For many it will be the only appraisal software you'll need.

Our focus for now will be to get an appraiser from that first contact with a client all the way through a completed report in a logical, simple, intuitive, and user-friendly manner. Yet in doing so, include enough flexibility to customize the workflow to accommodate the a wide range of appraisal styles. In any such process there are trade-offs and concessions and Armstrong will be no exception. There hasn't been a program written that can be all things to all users. Our goal is to create a stable, functional application that becomes the fast track for the appraisal process and not an obstacle to getting the job done. Based on my exposure and interaction with Armstrong, it appears we're well on our way to achieving just that. I'll keep you posted.