product focus
Revit Architecture
2012
Another solution that works for sharing Revit files are the file synching solutions such as Buzzsaw Sync, DropBox, Box.net, and many more. These services replicate files from one computer to another. This doesn’t work with Revit projects that need multiple users working on the same file, but works well for sharing files with other parties that only need to link in your model. By sharing the files via these services, they can be updated in real time or on a set schedule. There is very little interaction that needs to be done after the initial setup. In the last year, Autodesk has released a collaboration tool for Revit called Revit Server. It initially was released in Fall 2010 for subscription customers and has since been included as part of the Revit 2012 installer. Revit Server is Autodesk’s first attempt at creating a collaboration system that allows for multiple people in multiple offices to work on the same Revit project file at the same time.
Revit Cloud.png - A simplified Revit Cloud diagram
lows users remote access. This enables the server to do the heavy Revit work and only serve up the graphics to the local device including laptops, tablets, or smart phones. These solutions use different technologies like RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), VNC (Virtual Network Computing), Video-over-IP (VOIP), and more. These cloud-based technologies are still very new and haven’t been adopted widely yet, but the advantage to these systems is that any member of the team within the company or outside could be given access to work on the project.
Revit Server.png - Revit Server’s Hub and Spoke layout
The Revit Server operates on a hub-spoke system. The hub is a central server that houses all the projects on the server. The spokes are local servers housed in each of the offices that want to work on the projects on the central server. Each local server houses only a local cached copy of the projects that have been opened on it. After a project has been opened on the local server, the central server will keep it in sync. This system allows a company to share all its Revit projects with everyone else within the company regardless of their location. Revit Servers work best within a WAN and on a common domain. As with many of the other solutions, it doesn’t work with outside parties working on the model. In the last couple years a new buzzword, Cloud Computing, has been gaining huge ground. Several companies have surfaced that are building cloud-based collaboration systems that work with Revit. These cloud systems are built with newer technologies that allow Revit to be stored on a server and al40 www.augi.com
Many companies are using one or more of the methods described in this article with varying degrees of success to collaborate on Revit projects. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, amongst these technologies should be one that can help your company collaborate better on Revit projects. Troy Gates is a graduate of Western New Mexico University with degrees in both Design and Operations Management. He worked for several years in the Civil/Infrastructure industry before joining the AEC industry in 2000 where he immediately became an early adopter, user, and implementer of Revit while serving in CAD/BIM/ Technology management roles with several AEC companies. In addition to Troy’s direct experience using BIM/ Design technology tools, 3D Modeling platforms and software programming, he is an Autodesk Revit Certified Professional and an Autodesk Revit Implementation Certified Expert.
August 2011