Cadalyst - September 2008 - (Page 34)

cadmanager acceleration. The disadvantages of this type of tool are increased server load, greater configuration and maintenance for you (or the IT department), and somewhat lower speeds than hardware alternatives. If having consistent network access to all users on all servers is critical but you can’t afford the hardware alternatives, then software synchronization probably is the right choice. Manual software synchronization. File-transfer protocol (FTP) tools can perform data synchronization between servers on the cheap ($50 per seat or less), if you’re willing to learn how to use them and to be personally responsible for keeping files synchronized. Some of these tools have scripts you can create to automate directory lists, but you’ll still need to make sure the synchronization runs. These tools are very slow because they use little or no file compression (as hardware solutions do) and can’t perform byte-by-byte file comparisons (as automated software solutions do). Manual use of FTP software obviously is the least expensive option, but because you must perform synchronizations yourself, you’ll never achieve real-time synchronization as you would with hardware or automated software systems. If you need to keep data synchronized periodically, can afford the longer transfer times, and can keep track of the process, then manual software utilities might be a solution worth investigating. IT Involvement As you may have guessed, all the data-synchronization methods I’ve discussed require some close coordination with your IT department. I’ve found that software synchronization actually requires the most IT configuration work, followed by hardware devices that tend to be hands-off after initial installation. Gain the cooperation of your IT department by communicating the technical problems you face, including the size of your files and the challenges of your work environments. Summing Up Keeping your CAD data synchronized within a WAN requires equal parts detective work, planning, and proper technology. For best results, research the topic carefully and involve your IT department in the process. Anything you can do to stabilize your data and deliver better speed for your users will help you minimize data-related CAD management hassles and keep your users happy at the same time. Whatever you do, don’t ignore your data-synchronization problems because they only grow larger with time. Robert Green performs CAD programming and consulting throughout the United States and Canada. His book, Expert CAD Management: The Complete Guide is now available. Reach him via his Web site at www.cad-manager.com. CAD-Speciﬁc Keyword Search Alerts – Delivered Directly to Your Inbox! u Architecture u BIM (Building Information Modeling) u CAD Manager u CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) u Data Management u DCC (Digital Content Creation) u Digital Prototyping u FEA (Finite-Element Analysis) u GIS u Rapid Prototyping u Reverse Engineering u Structural Engineering u Visualization u Civil Engineering u LISP 34 www.cadalyst.com cadalyst September 2008 Receive customized email alerts based on personally selected, industry-speciﬁc keywords. Cadalyst’s Keyword Alerts are the latest time-saving tools for CAD professionals. Subscribe now for breaking CAD news delivered directly to your inbox! • Be the ﬁrst to know the latest news related to your CAD-speciﬁc topic • Receive news and other Cadalyst content relating to the keywords you choose www.cadalyst.com/KSA http://www.cad-manager.com http://www.cadalyst.com/KSA http://www.cadalyst.com/KSA http://www.cadalyst.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - September 2008

Cadalyst - September 2008 Contents Editor's Window Cad Central Tech Trends: Genie Out of the Bottle Cadalyst Labs Reviews: Big Tools for Big Jobs — Wide-Format Scanners and Printers Make Small Work of Large Projects Cadalyst Labs Reviews: AutoCAD 2009 — General-Purpose CAD Software Cadalyst Labs Reviews: AecBatchStylesEditor 2009 — CAD Standards Management Software for AEC Cad manager: Synchronize CAD Files over a Wide Area MCAD Modeling: Is 2D Drawing Doomed? Plm Strategies: More Bang for Your Truck Aec Insight: Works and Plays Well with Others Cad Cartoon Issue Indexes Hot Tip Harry: VBA Hints for Customizing AutoCAD

Cadalyst - September 2008

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