DT134-1: BIM Infrastructure Best Practices

David J PlukePrincipal / VP of Technology

Why are we here?

Today's BIM procedures and programs place a high demand on your IT infrastructure. In this session, we'll discuss needs, identify potential weak links in your chain, prioritize upgrades, and develop a plan of attack to eliminate IT impediments to user productivity.

Topics: Network Transport Workstation Configuration and Operating Systems File Storage and Maintenance Tips on optimizing WAN Performance Collaborating with the Outside World Develop an Upgrade Strategy Q&A?

Speaker Bio:

Dave Pluke served as a Principal and VP of Technology at a mid-sized Structural Engineering firm in Saint Paul, MN. Dave joined the firm in 1988 with the charge of forming their CAD Department. Once its heavily customized AutoCAD environment was up to speed, Dave redirected his focus to the challenges of Information Technology.

Acknowledgements: Jamie Richardson, Associate and BIM/CAD Manager @ ER&A Scott Beckman, Partner @ UrbanWorks Architecture AUGI Forums Wes Macauley @ Craven | Huston | Powers | Architects Clark Nexsen Architecture & Engineering

Concepts:

Distribute Functionality – Centralize Services

Bigger is Better (display and connectivity-wise)

Smaller is also Better (file-wise)

Use the right tool for the job

Optimal BIM performance requires Care and Feeding

Even the best stuff eventually becomes obsolete

Network:

GB to Workstations – GB or better to Servers Verify cabling plant supports this

Isolate BIM network traffic VLANs or discrete network Deploy Managed Switches and verify configs

Internet / WAN links Utilize Ethernet, where available Investigate 4G Wireless Consider shorter term Contracts

Local Workstations:

CPU: Dual Core minimum Opt for faster speed over add'l cores Xeon vs. i7 ? AMD?

RAM: 8GB minimum / 12GB recommended Leave room for add'l memory

Hard Drives: Fast (SAS, if possible) O/S Drive: minimize Windows Swap File Space 2nd Drive: Use entirely for Windows Swap File

Operating System: 64-bit mandatory Verify compatibility with all applications

Workstation Graphics:

Dual Displays Allows full screen for Modeling 2nd display for email, CAD, docs, etc. As large as budget and space will allow

Display Adapter(s): 512MB RAM minimum Not just for Gamers anymore It's a Moving Target: DirectX / Direct 3D / What next? Driver version vs. Application version Autodesk Compatibility Guide & AUGI

File Storage / Management:

BIM files on fast Server Drives Watch for auto-migration on SAN / NAS

Cluster / Cache at multiple locations Solution must protect file integrity Document Management Solutions? Autodesk Vault Newforma ProjectWise others?

Archiving procedures Stagnant or Dynamic?

WAN Optimization:

Software or Hardware Solutions Compress - Transmit - Decompress Code Patterns / DeDuplicate Data Cache Files Locally Remote Graphics / Desktop

Goals:Speed up apparent time to open, save and close files / appsPreserve WAN bandwidth for other servicesEnsure integrity of files at all times

Trade-offs:CostMay require re-structuring of files / folders / maps

WAN Optimization:

Vendors Riverbed Steelhead GlobalScape (Availl) WAFS Blue Coat (aka Packeteer, Tacit) Cisco WAAS HP Remote Graphics Microsoft (Branch Cache) Expand Networks Juniper Networks

The Lower the Bandwidth, the Larger the Impact Latency is a major factor in Performance Mobile solutions can be ideal for Remote Offices / Workforce

Collaboration tips:

Transfer smallest file possible DWF vs .rvt If .rvt, then detach and purge

Open only necessary Worksets Live Collaboration Platform

Requires high degree of trust Initial cost may be substantial Automate Transfers of Updates / Conversions of Files Autodesk Buzzsaw Horizontal Glue Platform …others?

Never let Technology get in the way of Communication!

Upgrade Strategy:

New Workstations, where possible Existing (Dual Core) Workstations 64-bit O/S - 8GB RAM - 2nd Disk - Video < $500 ...even less, if Microsoft VLA for Windows

Upgrade (at least) BIM network

WAN Optimization on smaller pipesRenegotiate Contracts on existing pipes

Replace aging Physical Servers with Virtualized Servers

Get Refresh Cycles back on track

Additional Resources

AUGI Forums forums.augi.com

BIM-Ready Blog www.BIM-Ready.com

Contact me at: dave.pluke@bim-ready.com

What is the future of Autodesk’s DTMC ? Stay tuned!

Are we glad we came?

Quick Summary: Network Transport Workstation Configuration and Operating Systems File Storage and Maintenance Tips on optimizing WAN Performance Collaborating with the Outside World Develop an Upgrade Strategy

What did we miss (Q & A, if there’s time)?

Autodesk [and other] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

DT134-1: BIM Infrastructure Best PracticesDave Pluke – dave.pluke@bim-ready.com

Please remember to fill out your Evaluation.

Thanks for attending - Have a great AU 2010!!!

Autodesk [and other] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.