u p F r o n t . e Z i n e
the business of cad, enlightened
Issue #626 | December 7, 2009 | English Edition
< Previous Issue | Next Issue >
Write the editor. Make him smile! | Through PayPal, consider donating $25 in support of upFront.eZine. | We're trendy. We have a Weblog. Read WorldCAD Access. | Twitter us on @ralphg.
In This Issue
1. Autodesk University 2009: Cloudy Forecast for Acad/Mac
- The silver linings and the storm clouds
- Cloud-based software from Autodesk
2. Out of the Inbox, and our other regular columns
Autodesk University 2009:
Cloudy Forecast for Acad/Mac
I had predicted that Autodesk would announce AutoCAD for the Mac at Autodesk University 2009, and then release a Labs version in the near year. A rumour went among members of the CAD media that portions of AutoCAD are being unlocked from Windows, including ShapeManager, the solids modeling kernel. "Microsoft can't be too happy about this," remarked one editor. "But it is inevitable," I added.
But I was wrong. About Acad/Mac, I mean. Instead, Autodesk talked up cloud computing -- something ceo Carl Bass could speak on quite safely, since the technology is 3-5 years away from being implemented in the software. The toptic of clouds, however, are a switch; in an earlier AU Mr Bass had been enthusiastic about the abilities of really, really powerful desktop computers. But Intel has let him -- and us -- down:
- Top-end CPU speeds are capped at around 4GHz; today's typical desktops have the same 2.4GHz CPU speed as in they did in 2001.
- Multi-core CPUs do not scale well; software runs slower than the twice as fast we would expect from computers with twice as many CPUs.
- 64-bit CPUs primarily address more than 4GB RAM; the speed increase comes from having more data in RAM and less being paged to the hard drive.
- GPUs can help significantly, but they lack the stamp of approval from near-monopolist Intel.
Where will the speed increases of the future come from? An obvious source is to write software more efficiently, and to reduce the performance penalty imposed by bulky operating systems. Barring these advancements, the next best future lies in cloud computing, that mass of servers located somewhere, out there at the far end of your Internet connection.
Cloud computing has proven very effective for servers. Many startups use them to get to market faster and to keep operational costs low. Autodesk itself found that its server costs were reduced by 10x when they hosted some software on a cloud service, rather than at a dedicated server farm.
Mr Bass foresees a day when users will get 50 simulations back from the cloud in the time it takes to do one with their desktop computer. This is one recurring theme: the cloud promises faster results for compute-intensive operations, like finite element analysis and photo-realistic rendering, because tasks will be crunched by tens or hundreds of computers operating in parallel. (You experience this today by how quickly Google returns search results.)
Tyler Worden of nVidia explained how this might happen. Autodesk's MoldFlow already uses CUDA technology to double the speed of analysis calculations. (This works only if your computer is outfitted with a recent nVidia Quadro graphics board.) nVidia is working to install CUDA on Amazon's EC2 cloud computing service. When EC2 senses data arriving from Moldflow, it automatically shunts it away from generic servers and to CUDA servers.
(Interesting factoid: the first release of CUDA did single-precision calculations, unnecessarily slowing down CAD calculations, which are double-precision; the next release is CUDA supports double-precision, and so MoldFlow calculations should be faster yet.)
The other recurring theme is that cloud computing allows for sharing of data, and I'll talk a bit more about that later.
The Silver Linings and the Storm Clouds
Just as the iPhone is redefining computing (quite by accident, I believe), so too will cloud computing. Here are some of my thoughts on the impacts to anticipate (in no particular order):
- Software companies will do away with permanent licenses, relying even more on the "steady stream" of annual subscriptions and even per-use revenues.
- Users will get frustrated when the cloud servers break down, as well as when they have no connection to the Internet. (Try traveling with an iTouch to see how little connectivity exits for free.)
- High-overhead operating systems like Windows can be replaced with lean, Web-tuned systems like Chrome OS.
- High-end software will run on cheap, easily portable, low-end systems, like netbooks (smaller than laptop computers) and smartbooks (larger than cell phones) and iPhones.
- Software companies update the software on the server, and no longer need to ship customers updates, even as downloads. Users may get frustrated by being forced to use unwanted updates that introduce new bugs and less user-friendly features.
- Battles will be fought over access to data generated by users using CAD vendor's software but stored by third-party cloud providers and transmitted by fourth- and fifth-party Internet service providers.
Cloud-based Software from Autodesk
Autodesk talked a lot about cloud-based computing, but showed only a little bit of software:
- Some Web-based applications have been available through Autodesk Labs for quite some time, such as Project Dragonfly (2D/3D interior design and floor planning), Project Draw (2D diagramming), and Project Freewheel (DWF collaboration). http://labs.autodesk.com
- Of more recent vintage, Autodesk is running a cloud-based version of AutoCAD under the name of Project Twitch. But this is a brute-force experiment, in which AutoCAD runs on servers that generate graphics in reaction to received keystrokes and mouse movements. (Files cannot be saved.) Your Web browsing computer needs a 5MB/sec Internet connection, something that my 0.24MB/sec connection isn't particularly close to. http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/trials/
- Brand-new is Share Design, Web-based software for viewing and real-time markup of shared drawings. It's so new that it's not even on Labs, and I wonder if it might have been mocked up for the AU crowds. Some more details: it is written from the ground up as a Web app; it will use a Facebook-like method of determining who needs to know; it will include clash detection.
I asked how a future version of AutoCAD or Inventor would connect to the cloud, but didn't receive a satisfactory response. During his Q&A with the media, Mr Bass called cloud computing inevitable. He feels Autodesk can no more back away from it than can a car back up past a "Danger, Do Not Reverse Over Spikes" sign.
[Disclosure: I attended AU 09 on behalf of Design Engineering magazine <http://www.design-engineering.com>. Autodesk Canada me with provided airfare, accomodation, and conference pass.]
http://au.autodesk.com (not to be confused with www.autodesk.com/au)
Moving to 3D is easier than you think
As you consider the move to 3D, take a look at how easy the switch is.
In a few short minutes you'll learn the secrets of synchronous technology through short demonstrations, customer testimonials, and commentary from Dan Staples, Director of Solid Edge Development. Find out more here!
http://global.siemensplmevents.com/?elqPURLPage=382&stc=usiia420145
Or call 800-807-2200
Kubotek USA releases KeyCreator Version 9 3D direct modeler ($2,995 until December 31) featuring speedups, such as transform operations that average 73% faster. Download the test drive version from http://info.kubotekusa.com/test-drive-keycreator (after registration and encrypted license file).
In related news, Conceptual Product Development ships Doctor Walt’s KEYCREATOR 9 Introductory Guide (150 color pages, $31.95) as the first in a series of new books on release 9. http://www.docwalt.com
China's ZWSOFT announces ZWCAD 2010 beta with its new ZRX API, plus drafting enhancements. Software is due to ship in January. Download the beta from http://www.zwcad.org/DownFile.asp?DownType=1&ID=20
Dassault Systems releases V6R2010x with mobile and cloud computing solutions. http://www.3ds.com
Carmel Software releases the first gas pipe sizing software for the iPhone and iTouch. http://www.carmelsoft.com/iphone
Apple approves the updated NaviCAD, the only iPhone app that navigates Google 3D Warehouse models -- Google Earth (KMZ) models created in Google Earth, Building Maker, and SketchUp. http://www.navicad.com
Sescoi's updates WorkNC CAD/CAM software with multi-threading and multi processing, speeding up machine tool path optimization. http://www.sescoi.com
MecSoft Corporation now has a 64-bit version of its VisualMILL for SolidWorks starting at $999. http://www.mecsoft.com
Creative Dezign Concepts announces DezignWorks feature-based reverse engineering software for SolidWorks 2010. Works with data from Faro, Romer, and MicroScribe. http://www.gocreative.net
LMS releases LMS Virtual.Lab Revision 9 with new BEM and FEM capabilities and brand-new ray tracing in LMS Virtual.Lab Acoustics. www.lmsintl.com/virtuallab-rev9
QuadriSpace updates Document3D to SP2 with 30% memory reduction, and a doubling of memory space for 64-bit users. Includes a new wizard to automatically create multiple illustrations from a list of parts or from a step-by-step exploded view, and other features. 15-day trial from http://www.quadrispace.com/downloads/trial.htm (after registration).
Planit Software ships e2i 2010 R1 release for tracking costs and quotations. http://www.radan.com
Lattice Technology updates its XVL Converter for Autodesk Inventor 2010, compressing models to an average 0.5% of their original size with no loss of accuracy. http://www.lattice3d.com
And SYCODE releases six neutral CAD file format data exchange plug-ins for AutoCAD that read and write IGES, STEP, and SAT files. http://www.sycode.com
- - -
These were some of the news items posted during the last week at the WorldCAD Access blog <worldcadaccess.typepad.com>:
- A Win For nVidia, ATi
- Ascon Ships Kompas 3D R11
- CAD Vendors: Implement Layar
- Autodesk University Day 2
- Day 1: Autodesk University 2009
- AU 09: Day 0
== High Fidelity 3D MCAD/DCC Conversion/Viewing/Rendering ==
For 21 years Okino has provided mission-critical 3D conversion software used extensively by tens of thousands of professionals. We convert between all major CAD, DCC & VisSim formats with full fidelity.
Email Robert Lansdale (lansd@okino.com) to discuss your exacting requirements. Popular requests for 2009: Sketch-Up, 3ds Max, Maya, XSI, DWF-3D, Inventor, Pro/E, SolidWorks, CATIA, BREP solids (IGES/STEP/Parasolid), 3D PDF/U3D, JT & Collada.
We know data translation and provide immaculate developer-to-customer relations. http://www.okino.com.
[625/626]
Hardware News
Solido3D launches its new SD300 Pro 3D printer for e2,950 (about $4,500). http://www.solido3d.com
Autodesk certifies all of AMD's line ATI FirePro graphics boards for AutoCAD 2010 on Windows 7. In addition, the FirePro V5700, V7750, V8700, and V8750 cards are certified for Autodesk's Showcase 2010 R1. http://www.amd.com/us/products/workstation/graphics/ati-firepro-3d/Pages/ati-firepro-3d.aspx
In related news, ATI's Eyefinity multiple-display technology lets a single GPU output to six display monitors via DisplayPort. http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity.aspx
Letters to the Editor
Re: Linux CAD
I moved away from AutoCAD a few years ago. I am now using BricsCAD and have been very happy. I am curious: can you shed any light on the upcoming Linux version of BricsCAD? They are being fairly tight-lipped at Bricsys. Any news?
- John H. Kennedy
The editor replies: I think the porting is going more slowly than expected. Grabert is doing the same thing with their Ares software -- rewitten to be portable between OSes, but I have so far seen only the Windows version of Ares. Even Google has a hard time releasing Linux versions of their software, and they run Linux in-house!
Re: Autodesk University 2009
Is attendance for AU2009 really down only 40% or is Autodesk employee attendance significantly up to bump the actual attendance head-count? If 5,000 warm bodies are in attendance at AU2009, then I would bet (gambling in Vegas is legal) +3,000 are Autodesk employees with some being in plain clothes.
Although the One Team Conference (Autodesk's Annual Sales Meeting for employees and resellers) supposedly scheduled for March 1-4, 2010, you might poke around to see if it has been rescheduled to coincide with AU2009. If so, then actual attendance would be 2,400 Autodesk employees + 2,000 Autodesk Sales Execs + 500 AU2009 Instructors + 100 Journalist = 0 Attendees. The question is: With training and travel being the first budget items cut by AEC and MFG firms for 2009, who really is attending Autodesk University 2009?
- William J. Munson, executive vp
CADzation
The editor replies: One Team wasn't at AU, but I did notice a meeting of VARs (resellers). One Autodesk exec managed to claim that attendence had more than doubled (from last year's 10,000), and he did that including the 15,500 virtual attendees to the online AU Virtual.
Notable Quotable
"I’m sure Steve Ballmer has the whole situation under control [mobile OS global marketshare falling from 11% last year to 7.9% this year], and everything is proceeding exactly according to Microsoft’s plans to achieve their stated goal from May 2008 for Windows Mobile to account for 40 percent of the global smartphone market by 2012."
- John Gruber, Daring Firefall
http://daringfireball.net/linked/2009/11/16/winmo-market-share
Thank You to Our Subscribers & Donators
These great people support upFront.eZine through their contributions of $25 (or more). Thank you, guys!
- Michael Robinson of Cadopolis.com (2 subscriptions)
- Bob Bennett of Luxology: "Thank you for your insightful and often entertaining newsletter"
Contact!
upFront.eZine is published every Tuesday, except during summer and Christmas vacation. Editor: Ralph Grabowski. This newsletter is read by over eight thousand subscribers in 70 countries. Your comments are welcome! Deadline for submissions is every Monday noon.
To Subscribe
Send the message 'subscribe upfront' to subscribe@upfrontezine.com. All 600+ back issues at www.upfrontezine.com/welcome.htm.
Donations & Subscriptions
upFront.eZine is shareware. You receive this newsletter free. To support its publication, suggested one-time donations is US$25 or the equivalent in your country. If you prefer to pay an annual subscription fee of $25, you will be reminded each year around May 1.
Payment
- PayPal - send payment to the account of grabowski@telus.net
- Checks or money orders: 34486 Donlyn Avenue, Abbotsford BC, V2S 4W7, Canada.
- Direct bank transfer: email for details.
Japanese Edition
Editor: Yasu Ohgushi <yasu@rrcorp.co.jp>
Address Change
Send both your old and new email addresses to subscribe@upfrontezine.com.
To Unsubscribe
Send the message 'unsubscribe upfront' to editor@upfrontezine.com. I appreciate knowing reasons for unsubscribing.
Advertising
US$340 per two weeks. Position Available ads are $320 for three weeks; Job Wanted ads by the unemployed are free. Other rates available. For more info, email advertise@upfrontezine.com.
- - -
Entire contents copyright ©2009 by upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide. Letters sent to the editor are subject to publication. Article reprint fee: $250 and up. All trademarks belong to their respective holders. "upFront.eZine," "The Business of CAD," and "On your desktop every Tuesday morning" are trademarks of upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd. Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity and brevity. Translations and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd.
* 10681