Autodesk Cloud

Autodesk is now offering a new service to customers called Autodesk Cloud. The service has a number of features that users can leverage to improve their productivity.

The first feature of Cloud is straightforward: online storage for files with the ability to easily access them. Users are able to upload and access their files from anywhere simply by logging in.

The second aspect of having those files available on the Cloud is that they are not simply available for download, but with the new Cloud capabilities, users are able to interact with these files via new online tools.

Files may be uploaded in DWF format. These files may be marked up using Autodesk Design Review or Design Review Mobile, and saved to identify changes to the production drawings. With the use of the new AutoCAD WS tool, a web-based light version of AutoCAD run via a web browser, DWG files may be directly edited and saved.

With the move to web-based tools, Autodesk has also expanded access to those tools for mobile users by bringing them to both Apple and Android devices. This means users now have an alternative method of managing their drawings while away from the office without the need to have a full-featured computer with the software installed - as long as web access is available.

Cloud also offers the users the ability to grant access to these files to others and specify the level of access they have. Access may be granted to view and download as well as edit and save. This allows a deeper level of collaboration with other users because the software is not required for non-CAD user stakeholders to interact in the design and change processes. This could potentially have many implications such as reducing design time, product improvement and cost reduction, and would also allow teams to work together more closely regardless of their physical location.

Going beyond just file access, Autodesk has also added even more capability to users of certain products by providing the ability to perform rendering, design optimization, and analysis on the cloud. This functionality allows users to perform large, time-consuming processes simultaneously in the background without having to tie up a local computer.

With the ability to upload, access, share, and edit files from a number of devices, Cloud is Autodesk’s solution to extending the users productivity. It allows users to work more effectively and collaborate with more efficiency. These added benefits are intended to give users much more flexibility and freedom to do their work however they choose.

This page last edited on Tuesday, December 06, 2011