Buyers Guide

Intelligent Design

SmartDraw 2008 is a software tool that produces commercial property floor plans. With more than 20,000 images and dozens of templates, the software’s automated graphic design function allows users to easily create their plans. In addition to floor plans, SmartDraw also provides flowcharts, photo-editing capabilities, and integration with Google Maps and Google Earth. The software costs $297 for one user, $1,485 for five users, $2,970 for 10 users, and $2,995 for 20 or more users.

Contact SmartDraw at (800) 768-3729 or www.smartdraw.com.

Safety First

GuideSafe is a Web-based tenant notification system for offices, retail centers, multifamily complexes, and other buildings. The system allows property managers to notify tenants and building occupants via text message or e-mail about building disruptions, emergencies, drills, or training events. Property managers can access building data from any computer, and those with diverse portfolios can customize procedures for each building from a single program. GuideSafe costs $99 per month for each building with a one-time setup fee of $199.

Contact GuideSafe at (866) 479-6433 or www.guidesafe.com.

Serious Scanner

The OpticPro A320 by Plustek Technology is alarge-format, multifunction scanner geared toward small-office users. The OpticPro A320 includes seven one-touch buttons that automate common functions such as scanning, optical character recognition, copying, faxing, and e-mailing. The machine scans at 1600 dpi in less than 12 seconds. In addition, NewSoft Presto! PageManager 7.1, Abbyy FineReader 6.0 Sprint Plus, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other image-processing and document management software are bundled with the scanner. The OpticPro A320 is Microsoft Vista compatible and costs $699.

Contact Plustek Technology at (714) 670-7713 or www.plustek.com.

Legal-Lease

The State-by-State Guide to Commercial Real Estate Leases, edited by Mark A. Senn, JD, reviews the relevant statutes in each state that regulate the various facets of commercial real estate leasing. The book supplements these statutes with commentary, case law, citations of authority, and other information to help real estate professionals and lawyers navigate the complexities of commercial leasing. Real estate lawyers from each state have researched and contributed information on more than 100 aspects of commercial leasing including assignments, subleases, tenant obligations, and environmental restrictions. Addenda and new editions are provided as they are released for an additional fee. The book costs $220 plus shipping.

Contact Aspen Publishers at (800) 638-8437 or www.aspenpublishers.com.

Are You Game?

The Millionaire Maker Game by DreamLife Games and wealth-strategist Loral Langemeier lets players test and improve their business acumen in the comfort of their own homes and — more importantly — without using real money. In an effort to create healthy wealth cycles, participants build diversified financial portfolios consisting of real estate assets or shares in oil. As in real life, however, legal and procedural challenges can turn the road to riches into a dead-end street. Players have 60 minutes to acquire the highest net worth and attain financial freedom. The Millionaire Maker Game costs $74.95.

Contact DreamLife Games at (888) 565-1204 or www.themillionairemakergame.com.

Inclusion of a product in Buyers Guide does not constitute a review or recommendation.