Industry happenings on the Web.

RedLadder.com Improves Online Capabilities

RedLadder.com announced two partnerships that will expand how the construction industry can use the Web for business. Redladder's collaboration with NuSpectra Multimedia Inc. in Alameda, Calif., will let users view a construction site live and in real time through the Internet. Visitors can zero in on specific areas using the pan, tilt or zoom features provided.

An alliance with White Cap, leading retailer of specialty tools and materials for contractors, also will allow RedLadder customers to buy construction goods online through the site.

BuildPoint Builds Sales Force

BuildPoint Corp. announced the final expansion of an 80-person sales force in 50 markets nationwide. The sales force will show contractors and suppliers the benefits of the BuildPoint community and ease customer transition to the Internet. A new customer service center in Charlotte, N.C., will support this effort.

Bricsnet Announces VISCOMM Acquisition

Bricsnet announced its intent to acquire VISCOMM, leading provider of real estate and facility management software and services. The VISCOMM addition means Bricsnet will extend its online products and services to the operation of completed buildings.

ContractorHub.com Announces Partnership

ContractorHub.com announced an alliance with WinEstimator Inc., an AEC software supplier, to provide cost-estimating software on the site. WinEstimator's software automatically will feed requests for quotation on construction projects.

NetClerk Alliance To Ease Permit Service

NetClerk Inc. has partnered with White Cap Industries, a leading materials supplier, to help building professionals obtain all their permit needs at one central online location. Customers will be able to navigate, submit and access building permits through the Internet to save time and money.

SmartContractor Integrates E-Library

SmartContractor Inc., provider of e-marketplaces for contractors, announced an alliance with ec-Content, which manages and maintains online data, to create a highly organized product and materials library. Detailed product images, descriptions and pricing information will be available for more than 2.2 million items.

CareerSite E-Recruits For Heating Industry

CareerSite Corp. announced a collaboration with HVAConline.com that will help the industry with a free "one-stop" recruitment resource tool. Employers will be able to view more than 200,000 candidate profiles from the CareerSite database, ranked No. 2 in resumé quality by the national Electronic Recruiting Index.

A/E/C Express Allies With NationalContractors.com

NationalContractors.com and A/E/C ExpressT announced a joint venture to offer blueprint, plan sets and specification distribution using the Web and A/E/C's patented software. NationalContractors.com's e-market system now will provide complete document delivery, throughout planning and completion construction phases, at one centralized location.

eDevice To Provide Real-Time Service

eDevice'sT new SmartStackT technology allows manufacturers to create Internet-enabled boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning units and walk-in freezers. A first for the heating industry, this technology enables equipment to send an alert e-mail to service technicians, who can remotely manage service needs, such as a blown out pilot light on a boiler.

Web Tool Gives Performance Ratings

Subcontractors now can use the Contractor Information Systems Web site at www.contractorinfosystems.com to see a continuously updated database of general contractor's performance ratings. The site provides payment history, scheduling and jobsite supervision knowledge, and competence as part of its services.