More Cloud Based Software-Autodesk InfraWorks 360 Pro

Autodesk has announced their release of Autodesk InfraWorks 360 Pro.  This is a cloud based version of InfraWorks that utilizes cloud based data storage and simulation.  It is available now on a quarterly license basis.  You do not have to purchase the full version; just “rent” it for three months at a time.  This will make it easier for design companies to “test drive” InfraWorks before they fully commit to it.

Autodesk Releases Cloud Based 3D Modeler Fusion 360 - available Now

Autodesk has released Autodesk Fusion 360 today.  From their press release “Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today delivered the world’s first cloud-based software created specifically for people looking to fuse stunning aesthetic design with great product engineering. Autodesk Fusion 360 brings together capabilities typically found in separate mechanical, industrial and conceptual design tools into one, easy to use cloud-based service.”

Fusion 360 is a cloud based, free form, 3D design tool that I personally found easy to use and learn, even for an AEC designer like myself.

AutoCAD WS Changes its name to AutoCAD 360 and goes PRO!

Autodesk has released a new version of AutoCAD WS and has implemented several changes to their mobile CAD product.  First off, AutoCAD WS has a new name.  From henceforth it shall be called “AUTOCAD 360”!!  That makes sense.  It goes along with the rest of Autodesk’s cloud based 360 branding.  The WS, according to Autodesk, never actually stood for anything anyway.  (I always suspected it either stood for Web Service or that the URL was available so they went with it.)  The other big change is that there are now three versions of AutoCAD 360; free, Pro, and Pro Plus.  The free version will essentially look and feel like what we have been using these past few years.  The Pro and Pro Plus versions will require a monthly subscription but provide more storage space, more tools and better support.

What’s new in AutoCAD 2014?

Autodesk is about to release the latest version of its flagship design program AutoCAD 2014.  AutoCAD 2014 is the 28th release of AutoCAD and is noted as being version 19.1.  It continues with the AutoCAD 2013 .dwg file type and format and is supported on Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.  No official support from Autodesk will be given for Windows Vista.  AutoCAD 2014 continues Autodesk’s reach for the clouds with its integration of Autodesk 360, new geographic location tool, reality capture, design feed (my personal favorite new tool), and increased control for Autodesk Exchange Apps.  Autodesk also makes an attempt to protect us from malicious files with the Secureload tools.  We will take a look at these new features.

Our Internet is down; Too bad we aren’t using cloud services!

When I got to the office today everything was fine on this Tuesday morning.  Within 15 minutes my phone started ringing off the hook!  THE INTERNET IS DOWN!!!!!  Call after call of users asking if the internet connection was down. Most of those early conversations began something like this, “Is there a problem with the internet because I can’t connect to Gmail/my banks website/Facebook?”  the caller would ask.

Yes.  If you can’t get to the internet there is a problem.  In this case the problem was our ISP (Internet Service Provider.)  They had an outage.  In total we were without internet access from about 8:00 a.m. till 2:45 p.m., six almost seven hours.   That’s a long time.

Our CAD Techs and Engineers were all able to work on their respective projects, but the managers had a difficult time communicating with clients and local municipalities.  The internet outage knocked out our email server.  It couldn’t communicate with the rest of the world so we weren’t receiving nor were we sending emails.  Since we also use a VOIP (Voice Over I.P.) phone system, our phones were down too.

Autodesk Announces New Cloud Service – Autodesk BIM 360

Autodesk announced and released a new Cloud Based service today called Autodesk BIM 360. Autodesk BIM 360 includes a set of services that provide cloud based access to BIM project information throughout the project’s lifecycle. Autodesk BIM 360 will work with several of Autodesk’s BIM solutions including Autodesk Building Design Suite and Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite.

"Cloud-connected workflows are giving our customers worldwide a better way to work with colleagues across their organizations and with business partners, clients and stakeholders,” said Amar Hanspal, Autodesk senior vice president, information modeling products.

Autodesk’s Acquisition of Vela Systems Means Nothing

Autodesk announced today that they have acquired Vela Systems.  (See the press release here.) Vela Systems provides field management software for construction.  They have partnered with Autodesk for some time now and, like many other software providers, they are now a part of the Autodesk family (see the history of Revit.)  This acquisition is a great one for Autodesk.  Vela’s software is a fantastic fit with what Autodesk has been trying to do this past year.  Autodesk has created Autodesk 360, a cloud sharing and setting syncing service, Autodesk PLM 360, http://www.autodeskplm360.com , a cloud based Project Lifecycle Management system, and their integration of these services in their 2013 product release.  Vela is all about BIM (Building Information Modeling) and can be applied, or made to be applicable, to most any construction project.

Autodesk releases Hotfix for Autodesk 360 Sync Error

Autodesk released a Hotfix for those that are having constant Autodesk 360 Sync errors.  If you are using (or have used) Autodesk 360 (Autodesk’s cloud storage and settings syncing service) then you are probably getting an annoying error.  All of the time.  I am.

AutoCAD Isometrics WS Technology Preview Now Available

Autodesk Labs is at it again!!  Today they released yet another Labs Technology Preview called AutoCAD Isometrics WS.

This Technology Preview is a cloud based service for creating, sharing, storing and viewing isometric drawings. It has the ability to design and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices with full DWG file type compatibility.  There is a catch, you need a PCF file to upload.  A PCF file can be created from Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Plant 3D and other 3d parry applications.  Upload the file and let the cloud do the processing for you.  That's the idea anyway.

To get started, go to the AutoCAD Isometrics WS login page.  Sign in (or sign up then sign in) and get started. Once in the process is quite simple.  Select your PCF file to upload, establish your Isometric styles, and create.  Once complete you will have a DWG file to play with.  Your files can be saved in Autodesk Cloud or you can download them.

AutoCAD Isometrics WS is a simple tool to use that can save you much time and effort.  Since it's in the cloud it will save you on resources and effort.  If you don't have access to a PCF file, Labs will supply you with one to try it out.  Ursula Sadiq has put together a video preview for you to look at.

Autodesk Labs is looking for feedback on this preview.  Try it out, kick the tires and let them know what you think.  If it's garbage let them know.  If's it fantastic, let them know.  Just follow the feedback links from the labs.