Cloud-hosted CAD (Computed-Aided Design) software and traditional license CAD packages for architects have a lot in common and some capabilities that differ between the two. The most major distinction between cloud-based software and CAD installation package is that the former resides in the servers of a cloud provider and the application runs through a browser over the internet, rather than taking up space in the local physical storage.

CAD programs are used for the design and drafting of buildings that are then rendered to produce high-quality 3D models. These are then used by builders, engineers, and professionals in construction and project implementation. In other words, CAD is an integrated software system for all parties involved in the design and collaboration process within the architectural sector. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is similar to Computed-Aided Design in the sense that it contains all the modeling functions, on top of many additional features of an integrated workflow, used to coordinate various professionals throughout the whole project pipeline from start till end. For this article, we are concentrating only on the design and drafting capabilities of these software applications, in the context of flexible and available virtual desktop deployments over the cloud.

What does cloud-hosted CAD mean?

There are two possible approaches to choose from if you are an architectural firm that wants to move its operations to the cloud. You could either choose a CAD package that you want to run on the cloud or find a provider that would be happy to migrate the software and deploy it to your end-users as a virtual desktop solution. We-IT has vast experience with moving 3D modeling graphic software such as AutoCAD, ActCAD, and BIM solutions such as ALLPLAN, DataCAD, and others. Depending on the background of the provider with these systems and deployment types, your firm can choose a cloud desktop solution that matches its design requirements without sacrificing the functionality and agility of your remote operations. Another way to go with cloud-based design software is to pick cloud-native CAD packages that are built to work only for multi-tenant server infrastructure, in which case migration is seamless and it takes little to no time to commence with your design operations.

What we know for sure is that cloud-hosted CAD packages are gaining a lot of momentum with the exponential growth of cloud desktop solutions like DaaS and SaaS in 2021. This trend is not likely to fade soon because of the adaptation of our technology to the complex requirement of the architectural design and modeling software mentioned above.

What are the benefits of CAD software on the cloud?

You will increase your productivity

By moving your CAD software to the cloud or choosing a cloud-native solution, you would surely experience a boost in team productivity. Instead of configuring your CAD installation and making sure each workstation is up to speed, you will only have your designs and core work to focus on. All maintenance, updating, and minor fixes will be handled by your cloud provider. Another key booster of productivity is not having to wait your turn for gaining access to the file that your team is working on. With a cloud-hosted CAD, there is no danger of overwriting files, losing information, and long waiting times while professionals are made to design serially.

If your software is on the cloud, there is a single centralized database that allows everyone to share and make changes instantly, without creating many confusing copies. Your users are also benefitting from accessing the stored files from anywhere and reviewing the files before important meetings, without having to travel, wait and waste valuable company time due to those unnecessary technical roadblocks.

Faster processing times of CAD

Cloud-hosted CAD software solutions have much faster solving time than a local computer. All the computation is performed on the provider’s servers which have the capacity of supercomputers, delivering a seamless service to every end device that the user is accessing the desktop software. Another advantage of CAD is that your firm will be using the latest version updates as soon as they get released. This will not impact the performance of the software or the ability of the users to complete their projects in time with their schedule. By making use of the latest advancements, you are also making sure that your systems are secure and operational up to the most up-to-date industry standards.

Lower cost for better security

Cost is just as important as any other aspect of the CAD software you choose. Choosing a cloud-based desktop solution will minimize your costs by allowing you to pay per use, rather than the full license with recurrent updates and maintenance. Cloud programs end up costing three times less than what an architectural firm needs to pay for an annual installation package per number of users. In addition, your company will be fully secured with the latest cloud advancements against cyberattacks and unwanted online intrusions.

For more information about our cloud-hosted CAD solutions, get in touch with our team and we will get back to you shortly!