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Cloud-Based CAD, Part 4
25 Aug, 2010 By: Robert GreenReaders around the globe weigh in with their own experiences — and their predictions for the future of the technology.
I must admit I've been surprised by how much interest there has been in this series of newsletters exploring CAD in the cloud. Clearly there are many CAD managers out there who see cloud computing heading their way, yet there appears to be little agreement on how our CAD lives will be affected. Throughout the series, the only thing I've seen that remains consistent is that most CAD managers hold negative attitudes toward cloud computing — by a margin of roughly 4 to 1.
In this edition of the CAD Manager's Newsletter, I'll share some reader feedback with you that brings up valid points, answer questions, and pose a few conclusions from our discussion about running CAD in the cloud. My hope is that everyone will have a better frame of reference when we're done. Here goes.
Software Speed via the Cloud
In the last installment, I made the argument that document management (DM) or product lifecycle management (PLM) systems for CAD machines are one area where the cloud might be a good option. My logic was that the administration required to keep software and servers up-to-date would be eliminated with a DM/PLM software system deployed via the cloud. 
Well, not everyone agreed with my assessment. J.S. from South Africa writes:
"We are running PLM in a cloud-type scenario and it's hell. The cloud is a no-go for many areas, especially PLM/PDM. Under the cloud scenario, your best computer in your organization will be the one with the slowest link (you're only as fast as the slowest person on your team). Some countries like mine operate on kilobits per second across many services like SAP and e-mail and so on. Backboning the Internet because it looks cheaper will cost you more in lost productivity over a period of time."
First conclusion: As J.S. correctly points out, any cloud application is only as good as your connection to the cloud. I can think of one of my clients, which maintains a food-processing facility in the middle of Brazil's sugarcane fields, that would experience exactly the same type of problem. The bottom line will continue to be that cloud applications will only flourish as universally available, fast, cheap Internet connectivity becomes the norm.
Second conclusion: It is interesting to note that users don't differentiate between cloud applications and cloud delivery via slow Internet. From the user's perspective, either the cloud is great, or the cloud stinks, as a whole.
Security, Security, Security
There are basic concerns common to most any cloud computing conversation: Where does the data actually reside? Who owns it? How secure is it? Obviously, when your drawings sit on a server that somebody else owns, it is wise to consider all the data-security implications.
Consider the following scenario from JdL, who works for a CAD services provider in the Netherlands:
"We provide AutoCAD training to a company that administers government buildings in the Netherlands. The drawings and plans of some of these buildings are highly confidential and I don't think they will ever send them into the cloud. I guess people and organizations will need some additional time to get used to the CAD cloud and the idea that their account can someday be hacked, but it also took time to get used to online banking."
Conclusions: Even if a CAD program itself could be run from the cloud, is it possible the drawings or models produced with that program couldn't be stored there due to government regulation? How might this affect those providing services to governmental agencies? I wish I knew the answers to these important questions. Anyone care to comment?
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