With BIM9 Private Cloud, You Know Where Your Design Files Are

LAS VEGAS (Autodesk University) - A Las Vegas casino design may have resulted in the largest Revit model at the time (40GB). While the design teams were in 4 separate US offices, the BIM model needed to be in one. That was good for the design team at headquarters, but not so good for the others who had to rely on slow connections to link to the BIM model. BIM9, a architectural IT service company, was created to solve just this sort of problem -- and, in the process, claims to have offer more benefits, such as being able to run Revit on an iPad.

 

Video from BIM9 site shows Revit on an iPad. The Revit model is on a BIM9 private cloud.

BIM9 immediately answers the first question on the minds of the cloud skeptics: who is looking after my data? With a private cloud, you are. With frequent headlines of cloud-based data centers being hacked, (here's one: Target 40 Million Credit Cards Compromised, CNN Money, Dec 18, 2013) it will generate some peace of mind to at least know the server is physically within your walls --not somewhere out there being minded by who knows who. Of course, private clouds can be hacked, but mega-data sites are probably much more popular targets.

BIM9 allows anyone with an Internet connection to access the single BIM model, the very same one that may be currently in design mode. Offices don't have to have copies of the BIM model and worry about synchronizing them. Those at the construction site don't have to download a copy before they hit the road and risk an outdated model. They can actually operate Revit from their iPad and edit the BIM model from the field.

Your might be worried about a private BIM cloud making everyone remote, and therefore slow, whereas before at least the headquarters office located with the server could be assured of the speed, latest BIM model, etc. But BIM9 is able to show fast-enough response at AU. Your mileage may vary. Despite virtualization wizardry on the BIM9 server, the biggest factor in performance is probably connection speed.

BIM9 is part of US CAD, a large Autodesk reseller.

For medium to large AEC firms working from different offices, a private cloud such as BIM9's, seems like a great solution. AEC firms ought to appreciate a technology vendor that is steeped in architecture and architectural design software, as opposed to a generic IT firm.

How Much?

For a small rack mounted server, good for 3 users, BIM9 will install a "30 day test drive" at your office for $3500. See other pricing on BIM9 website.