What CAD Software’s Shift to the Cloud Means for Product Development

Brief History of CAD Software for Product Development

When the mainframe was superseded by the “minicomputer” – closer in size to a large refrigerator than a small condo – CAD became available commercially and at a much more “affordable” price. Several companies developed and sold turnkey solutions of minicomputers and graphics terminals for one purpose only – to run their CAD software in dark, air-conditioned rooms.

Then, hardware advances brought about the microcomputer. PCs and Unix workstations became popular with companies and independent software vendors alike. CAD applications could now take advantage of the desktop computer’s local processing power without the need for a central server.

With mainframes and minicomputers, all number crunching and data storage was managed centrally. Any operator could log on to any terminal and access their data files. With microcomputers, everything was managed locally, so data was difficult to access unless you had your own dedicated computer. Two steps forward and one step back. To address this shortcoming, client/server architectures were introduced to facilitate local processing and centralized data storage.

The Shift from On-Premise to Cloud-Native CAD

Today, we're in the midst of another paradigm shift in CAD technology: the move from on-premise systems to cloud-native or browser-based solutions. This transition is reshaping how engineers and designers approach product development.

On-Premise CAD: The Traditional Approach

On-premise CAD systems have been the standard for decades. In this model, companies manage their own hardware and software infrastructure. Here's what it typically involves:

• Purchasing and maintaining multiple servers, networks, firewalls, VPNs, and storage systems

• Implementing backup and disaster recovery plans

• Employing IT professionals to keep everything running smoothly

• Manually updating software on each server and client workstation

The costs and complexity of managing on-premise CAD systems can be substantial. Implementations often take longer, and downtime for maintenance or disaster recovery can halt an entire business.

Cloud-Native CAD: The Better Choice?

Cloud-native CAD solutions are changing the game. Instead of relying on local hardware and software installations, these systems are accessed via a web browser. Here's what makes cloud-native CAD, like PTC’s Onshape, different:

• No need for powerful local hardware – a web browser and an internet connection are all that's required

• Software updates are applied automatically, eliminating the need for manual installations

• Data is stored securely in the cloud, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection

• Collaboration becomes easier, with real-time co-authoring capabilities

• Scaling up or down is as simple as adjusting your subscription

One of the most significant advantages of a true cloud-native CAD system is the inclusion of built-in product data management (PDM). This integration eliminates the need for separate PDM software, streamlining the entire product development process. With built-in PDM, version control, data access management, and collaboration tools are seamlessly integrated into the CAD environment, reducing complexity and improving workflow efficiency.

The Cloud’s Impact on Product Development

For the engineer, using a cloud-native platform means instant access to all project data from anywhere in the world. It also means:

• Not having to worry about having the right software installed;

• Not being tethered to a desk;

• Being able to share data with others rather than copying and emailing;

• Being able to collaborate in real-time with your coworkers.

With a cloud-native platform, all data processing operations are carried out remotely in the cloud. No data is transmitted or downloaded locally to any user’s computer, keeping sensitive data secure at all times. Cloud applications implement security measures that go way beyond what most companies are able to implement or afford on their own.

Choosing the Best CAD Software for Product Development

As we look to the future, cloud-native CAD will play an increasingly important role in product development. The ability to access powerful design tools from any device, collaborate in real-time, and seamlessly integrate with other cloud-based business tools is too valuable to ignore.

However, this doesn’t mean that on-premise solutions will disappear overnight. Many companies will likely adopt a hybrid approach, using cloud-based tools for collaboration and mobility while maintaining some on-premise systems for specific needs.

The evolution of CAD from on-premise to cloud-based solutions represents more than just a change in technology. It’s a shift in how we approach product development, enabling more flexible, collaborative, and innovative design processes. As this technology continues to mature, we can expect to see even more transformative changes in the world of product design and engineering.