CSG is pleased to announce the availability of our new CSG BIM Cloud.  In partnership with our Strategic Affiliate, I.T. Right, CSG is offering this BIM Cloud solution for A/E/C firms looking for a solution to share live Revit models with remote project team members, and partner firms.

 Q & A:

Q:  Why is CSG offering this service?

A:  CSG is the industry leader in providing solutions for Revit’s new “model-centric” workflow.  Utilizing Riverbed’s Steelhead devices and Steelhead Mobile, CSG has solved the problem for companies looking to share Revit models with their remote offices and project teams.  Much discussion has been made, however, when multiple companies are working together on a Revit model as to whom will host the model for the team.  CSG has been approached several times about the possibility of such an offering, as many firms simply don’t allow outside firms to have access into their network. 

Q:  What is your infrastructure?

A:  CSG and its Strategic Affiliate, I.T. Right, have a dedicated Server, a 100Mbps fiber connection to the internet, and a large Steelhead appliance to optimize the entire WAN capacity.  You model is secured by Firewall, which prevents a non-project member from accessing your project folder on the server.  The model(s) are backed up several times a day.

Q:  How is this different than an FTP site?

A:  FTP sites are static, meaning, you post a flat file to an FTP site and allow others access to downloading that file.  Revit’s model centric workflow maintains a “live” model, which allows all project team members to have the ability to synchronize with the Central File throughout the day.  An FTP site, by nature, won’t allow for this kind of interaction.  By utilizing a direct VPN connection to the your project folder, and utilizing Riverbed technology to optimize the flow the information over that connection, we have created an “all in one room feel” for your Revit team, regardless of their physical location.

Q:  What changes do I have to make in how I use Revit?

A:  None.  This solution fully supports the Revit “model-centric” workflow with no changes made to Revit or how you use it.

Q:  Are you hosting the Revit application?

A:  No !  You are required to have Revit on your own machine.  We are simply allowing your Revit model to reside on our server, in your project folder, for multi-user access from different locations.

Q:  How do I connect ?

A:  CSG will provide a VPN connection to your project folder.  You may have several people working in one office, or several individual users in the field, or a combination of both.  You have the option of placing a Steelhead Appliance on your network, or using Steelhead Mobile for individual workstations or laptops.  CSG’s Steelhead appliance at the Data Center size will provide optimization with your Steelhead appliance or Steelhead Mobile.

Q:  Is It possible for our company to host the model for our project team?

A:  Yes !  CSG can assist you in this purpose.  The idea behind CSG’s hosting service is simply to address the concerns some firms have about “exposing” their network to outside firms.

Q:  What is the cost of this service?