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IFC Release History and Planning

Release 1.0

Release 1.0 of the IFC Specifications began the incremental definition of a shared project model used throughout an AEC/FM project life cycle. This initial release included models supporting some processes in architectural design, HVAC engineering design, facilities management, and cost estimating. The resulting integrated model represented only a fraction of the scope that will define a complete shared project model. However these were identified as critical to the first incremental release of the IFC Specifications. The IFC Release 1.0 Specifications limited its scope to a set of achievable milestones:

• A "core" model plus plug-in extensions software architecture was established to ensure structured extension of the IFC model with minimal disruption between releases.
• Four AEC/FM domains were addressed: architecture, HVAC engineering, construction management, facilities management. Only a small set of the processes used in these domains were supported.

IFC Release 1.5

Release 1.5 of the IFC Specifications did not extend the domain coverage beyond that which was developed for Release 1.0. However, building on the implementation experience of Release 1.0, the IFC Technical Architecture was improved and the Core of the IFC Object Model extended and stabilized to provide a platform for commercial software development.

IFC Release 1.5.1

Resulting from trials of the Release 1.5 model, an update was issued to resolve implementation problems. The opportunity was also taken to improve core and resource elements of the model.

IFC Release 2.0

Release 2.0 extends the domain coverage of the IFC Object Model and includes domain processes identified below. Key parts of the Core and Resource models remain unchanged although some additional features are added to support new domain processes.

IFC Release 2.X

Release 2.X marks the change in the way that IFCs are developed and released. This release of IFCs will create a platform containing classes that provide the framework for the integration of models developed by projects and that provide for the sharing of information between domain areas. Projects will develop models using the platform and will issue models independently as work is completed.

IFC Release 3.0

It is intended that Release 3.0 will significantly extend the domain coverage of the IFC Object Model. Models will use the platform developed by R2.X and will be issued on completion.

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