The AIA demonstrated its new, as-yet-unreleased contract document service on Friday afternoon.
Maan Hashem of AIA Contract Documents led the presentation, describing some of the new and enhanced capabilities that the service will support. As an online service, it will make documents accessible anytime, anywhere, for both PC and Mac users. It has enhanced security features—data encryption and two-factor log-in authentication—and new tools, including one that helps users choose the right document template by asking a series of questions (about project size, delivery method, and so on).
An online editor function will allow users to track changes or insert clauses from a clause library, as well as share drafts with collaborators simply by emailing a url (collaborators will be able to see and edit the document in the online editor, as well). The service also makes purchasing contract documents more flexible, and potentially more affordable, by offering individual documents on a pay-as-you-go basis and "bundles" of documents that certain professions are most likely to use (contractor bundle, architect bundle, etc.), rather than an annual subscription.
The service will be available in the first quarter of 2012.
