If you run an architecture, engineering or construction firm, you've probably felt it: workstations that need replacing, a server closet nobody wants to own, project files spread across offices and laptops, and people who need the same desktop at the office, at home and on a job site. I help AEC firms move all of that into Advance2000's managed private cloud. I'm Randall Schultz, owner of CaddForce LLC and an Authorized Agent of Advance2000, and here is how it works.
What a managed private cloud means for an AEC firm
Advance2000 hosts your desktops, servers and applications together in one secure private environment, so your work lives in one place instead of on individual computers. Your people connect from the office, home or a job site. Advance2000 offers different support plans, and most firms choose Silver support and manage their own applications. Advance2000 commits to 99.9% monthly uptime and posts every incident publicly on its uptime history page.
It isn't only for the people in design software. Customers use Advance2000 for all of their users, from principals and project managers to accounting and admin staff, and many firms find the bigger value is no longer buying and maintaining the hardware.
Virtual desktops (VDI) for Revit, AutoCAD and Civil 3D
A virtual desktop is your normal desktop, with your applications and files, running in a secure data center instead of on the computer in front of you. High-performance virtual desktops with dedicated graphics are my specialty. Advance2000's desktops run Windows applications, so Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D and the rest of your design tools sit right next to your project files.
With large BIM models, the model stays in the private cloud and you work on it from wherever you are, so you aren't downloading a huge file to every laptop. How it feels depends on your internet connection, which is why I suggest testing it with one of your own heavy files.
Moving your servers, apps and data
Every firm does it a little differently. Most start with file servers, then move things like Deltek, Newforma, print servers, license servers and admin systems. I help you map out what moves and when.
Project data, one true source. Every office and remote employee works from the same files. Advance2000 can host that authoritative source in its private cloud and works with the data app your firm uses, including Privata (built by Advance2000).
Data from partners. Advance2000 can host your data from partners like Panzura, Egnyte and Nasuni, so you can keep the data platform you already use while your desktops and servers move to the private cloud.
Archive data. Older project data can move too, and Advance2000 has archival appliances for it.
Colocation for hardware you keep. Not everything has to move. Advance2000 can house your servers or storage in its private data center in Buffalo, where it has secure cages for customer equipment. Your hardware sits on the same network as your private cloud and archive storage. You own and manage your equipment, and Advance2000 handles physical security, power and cooling, with smart hands on site when needed.
The network that ties your offices together
A cloud is only as good as the connection to it. My preferred design gives each office a private, dedicated line straight to the Advance2000 data center, plus a dedicated internet access (DIA) circuit from a different carrier that handles local public internet needs and doubles as a business continuity line. The network is designed to switch over automatically if the private circuit fails. I help arrange the circuits, and Advance2000 can handle design, equipment, setup and installation.
How to try it: Demo, Pilot, Contract
Demo. Advance2000 offers free demo accounts, so your team can try the virtual desktops before you agree to anything. I listen to how your firm works and tell you plainly whether it looks like a fit. If it isn't, I'll say so.
Pilot. You put the private cloud to work on a live project, with your own applications and your real people. Mission-critical design tools are part of every pilot.
Contract. If the pilot works for your firm, you sign an agreement with Advance2000.
One person from demo to day-to-day
You work with me from the first demo through the pilot, your project meetings and the day-to-day after you start. Behind me, Advance2000 assigns a dedicated project team with the right engineering staff to implement your solution. If you're not sure who to call about something, call me and I'll connect you.
I'd also rather sit down with your team than only meet over video. When I'm in your city, I'm happy to come to your office, talk with the people who use the system every day and see how your firm actually works.
FAQ
What is a managed private cloud for architecture firms?
It's a secure private environment where your desktops, servers, applications and project data are hosted together in one place. With Advance2000, everyone in the firm connects from the office, home or a job site. Advance2000 offers different support plans, and most firms choose Silver support and manage their own applications.
Can I run Revit on a virtual desktop?
Yes. Advance2000 offers high-performance virtual desktops with dedicated graphics, and Revit and other demanding design applications are part of every pilot, using your own projects.
Who helps AEC firms move to a private cloud?
I do. As an Authorized Agent of Advance2000, I help architecture, engineering and construction firms evaluate the private cloud, run a free demo and a pilot, and stay their point of contact afterward. Advance2000 hosts the service.
Can a private cloud replace our office servers?
That's the idea. Customers move their desktop and server infrastructure into the private cloud, usually starting with file servers and then apps like Deltek and Newforma. Hardware you want to keep can be colocated in Advance2000's Buffalo data center.
See it with your own work
The easiest way to find out is to try it with your own files and your own people. Book a free demo, or call me at (405) 253-6111 to talk through your firm and set up a time to meet.