Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., this week announced the new Vectorworks Cloud Services for Vectorworks Service Select members in the US and Canada. We have a detailed feature article on the new service (see: Vectorworks Cloud Services: Architosh has the story, 26 Mar 2012) here for those who want the background and details.

Vectorworks in the Cloud

Vectorworks Cloud Services will allow desktop and cloud-stored CAD files to be synchronized automatically, enabling collaboration and remote work scenarios. As we have detailed in our feature, there are four components to the new cloud services offering: Vectorworks Cloud Services Server, Vectorworks Nomad for iOS mobile devices, a desktop version of Vectorworks Cloud Services which serves as an organizing and synchronizing application, and finally a Vectorworks Cloud Services web portal that enables collaboration, viewing and several other basic functions. (see image 01)

01 - Here is an image of Vectorworks Nomad app running on iPad.

With a Vectorworks Cloud Services account users select which files to upload to the cloud. Changes to these files will be automatically synchronized to the user’s private storage in the cloud, allowing them to browse, view, annotate, and share designs from the Web, iOS devices and email.

“The cloud offers important benefits in efficiency and collaboration to the design workflow, enhancing the value that Vectorworks products already offer on the desktop,” said Sean Flaherty, CEO of Nemetschek Vectorworks. “Vectorworks Cloud Services will provide the freedom and flexibility designers need to successfully meet the challenges of working in today’s mobile world. In particular, the ability to perform calculations in the cloud will be a significant advantage to our users.”

The Vectorworks Cloud Services server renders 3D views (in viewports) in various rendering modes, including higher-resolution Renderworks modes, thereby serving as a cloud-renderer. The cloud-based workflow shifts calculations needed from the desktop out into the cloud server where besides rendering it can generate sections and calculate BIM data. The results are automatically sent back to the desktop once completed.

Service Select members in the US and Canada can try out the service for free now, until 30 April 2012. Later this year the service will be available in other countries. To learn more visit here.