Why InfraWorks 360 is Worth Paying For

The time you save is worth the price of subscription.

As the ENI Manager here at Ideate, I have been working to help sort out some of the software details that went into effect with the transition to Autodesk AEC Collections and the retiring of Design Suites at the end of 2016. One of the larger changes that came with this transition was the packaging and offerings associated with Autodesk InfraWorks 360. Some customers have been asking if they need to upgrade to a full version, or if InfraWorks 360 LT is sufficient, and how they might better justify the cost involved if InfraWorks 360 is right for them.

If you're in that group wondering what version you need, the following might help.

Some of biggest differences between the full version of InfraWorks 360 and the LT version, based on this feature comparison, are the cloud collaboration and the Road, Bridge, and Drainage design features. However, the one function that has been worth the cost of upgrading, in my opinion, is the item listed as "Automate Model Creation." It doesn't seem like much, but it's the one feature everyone will use, regardless of industry or design focus. Not all customers will need Road, Bridge, or Drainage design, and maybe you don't have immediate plans for cloud collaboration, but you can use Model Builder.

Model Builder, listed as "Automate Model Creation" in the PDF matrix, automatically finds, downloads, imports, and stylizes existing GIS data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and OpenStreetMaps to create a functioning model of the existing conditions. If you can search for a place online—think Bing or Google Maps—you can probably find it in Model Builder. Without Model Builder, even the most experienced GIS users may take a few hours to search for, find, and download the right data from their favorite sources. At that point, the data still needs to be imported and stylized manually.

With Model Builder, the entire process from finding data to importing and stylizing in InfraWorks 360 is automatic, and it usually completes in 15 minutes or less. There is a maximum download area of 200 sq.km, but models can be combined after they are created.

For more details on the difference between InfraWorks 360 LT and InfraWorks 360, read my post, Flavors of InfraWorks.

It seems worth noting that the full InfraWorks 360 subscription gives you access to periodic updates that are released throughout the year. If you're wondering what's new in the latest release (v2017.3 at the time this post was written), here's a great article from the Autodesk team.

For more information on purchasing InfraWorks 360, or if you have any questions, please contact sales@ideateinc.com, we are happy to help.

Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training, and consulting Ideate provides, visit our website at www.ideateinc.com.

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Matt Miyamoto

ENI Manager & Senior Application Specialist

Matt is an ENI Manager and Senior Application Specialist in Ideate, Inc.’s Seattle office. He has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Civil Engineer. Prior to joining Ideate, Matt worked as a civil engineer, using Civil 3D on a variety of projects including site development, roadway improvements and infrastructure design. With over 10 years of experience in the civil engineering industry, Matt now provides training, consulting, technical support, and implementation strategies for organizations transitioning to Civil 3D. Matt is an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), as well as an Autodesk Certified BIM Specialist: Roads and Highway Solutions. Additionally, Matt is and Autodesk Certified Professional for AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Civil 3D. He can be found on twitter as @MattM_PE

What's in a Name?

On August 1, 2016, we entered a new Autodesk era, the era of “subscribers.” The words “subscribe” and “subscription” have been used with Autodesk products for a long time, so this new, formal name is causing a bit of confusion. 

I’ll try to clear things up.

In a nutshell, you are a subscriber with Autodesk if you:

1. Own an Autodesk product and have a current maintenance plan. You will want to be sure to keep your maintenance plan up-to-date; you will lose your subscriber status if your plan expires. 

2. Have a subscription contract (formerly called a “desktop subscription”) to an Autodesk product.

If you do not meet either of the above criteria, but own an Autodesk product, you are considered a legacy customer. As legacy customer you can continue to run your software as long as your computer and operating system support it, but you will not have access to upgrades or the latest software.

Why do you want to be a subscriber? Because you get all of these benefits:

• Instant access to the latest product releases and enhancements.
• Access to previous versions of the software.
• Ability to use your software on your home computer.
• Ability to use your software when traveling outside of your home country.
• Autodesk technical support.
• Easy-to-use administrative tools that allow you to simply and effectively manage software licenses, seats, and usage.
• Additional cloud and software services.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact me. I would be happy to talk with you about your status and your options.

Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.

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John Souza

Director of Sales

John Souza started on the ground floor with Autodesk CAD, selling solutions since release 10. In the nearly 30 years since, he's worked to grow his expertise with each Autodesk solution, weaving a career around cutting-edge 3D design software sales.

He has proven success in building high-performing sales teams in the Civil Engineering and Government sectors, he's managed and led business development and sales teams for Autodesk and Advanced Solutions. Joining Ideate, Inc. in 2003, he was initially the Manufacturing Solutions Director then worked to expand reach within the AEC community as Director of Business Development. Today, as Sales Director, he leads a dedicated team working to connect architects and designers with best-fit design technology education and implementation solutions.

Am I in The Cloud or Not?

The better question is, “How much of what I do with my Autodesk solution is in the Cloud?”

Today everyone throws around the word “cloud” and assumes it always means the same thing. When it comes to your Autodesk solution, the answer is, “It depends on which license you have, which product you use, and the type of subscriber you are with Autodesk.” See my previous blog post, What’s up with Autodesk Licensing? for an explanation about the different licensing types.

Today there are three types of cloud functionality from Autodesk:

1. License Management - Autodesk Desktop products use a license manager in the Cloud.

2. Data Storage and Collaboration - Autodesk360 products offer cloud-based data storage and sharing. This enables designers, clients, engineers, architects, and contractors to review, share, and comment on 2D and 3D models, floor plan markups, and budget spreadsheets from their desktops and mobile devices. The viewer supports more than 50 2D and 3D design file formats, including those from Autodesk, Solidworks, CATIA, Pro-E, Rhino, and NX.

3. Cloud Services - By adding Autodesk Cloud Services to your subscription, you get virtually infinite computing power and, for select products and suites, exclusive access to cloud-based services, such as rendering, energy analysis, design optimization, and robust collaboration. By performing computer-intensive functions in the Cloud, you can explore and visualize more design options, streamline collaboration, and optimize your designs without investing in expensive hardware.

Contact me if you’d like to discuss the options and determine which is the most cost-effective for you. And keep an eye out for my next blog post, “How Suite It Was.”

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John Souza

Director of Sales

John Souza started on the ground floor with Autodesk CAD, selling solutions since release 10. In the nearly 30 years since, he's worked to grow his expertise with each Autodesk solution, weaving a career around cutting-edge 3D design software sales.

He has proven success in building high-performing sales teams in the Civil Engineering and Government sectors, he's managed and led business development and sales teams for Autodesk and Advanced Solutions. Joining Ideate, Inc. in 2003, he was initially the Manufacturing Solutions Director then worked to expand reach within the AEC community as Director of Business Development. Today, as Sales Director, he leads a dedicated team working to connect architects and designers with best-fit design technology education and implementation solutions.

Autodesk InfraWorks R2 – .RVT Import

Here at Ideate, Inc. we are always trying to stay one step ahead of the game in order to provide the best information to our customers. With that in mind, whenever we hear about a new product or update from Autodesk, we do our best to test the new features and let you know what we think.

If you haven’t already heard, Autodesk has released a Subscription based Product Enhancement for Autodesk InfraWorks called Autodesk InfraWorks R2, and Autodesk InfraWorks +Ultimate R2. These are available via the Autodesk Subscription Center for customers who have Building Design Suite (BDS) Ultimate, or Infrastructure Design Suite (IDS) Premium or Ultimate (+Ultimate R2 is for IDS Ultimate subscription owners). You can download the R2 installation package by logging in to Subscription Center and downloading it from the Product Enhancements section (not part of the standard program downloads). Expand downloads to find Product Enhancements, as shown below.

One of the new features included in the R2 versions is the ability to import Revit .RVT files directly into the InfraWorks model without having Revit installed on the same workstation. Up until now, only IDS Ultimate customers who installed InfraWorks along with Revit were able to use Revit .RVT files as a data source. With the R2 product enhancement, all Revit file processing is handled via the cloud when the .RVT file is added so we no longer need the side by side installation. This also adds the .RVT file option as a data source for BDS Ultimate customers, who did not have it as part of their original installs.

Keep in mind, this new feature does come with some requirements.

First, you will need to have and be signed-in to your Autodesk 360 account in order to use the cloud-based processing capabilities. When you launch Autodesk InfraWorks, make sure you’re signed in to Autodesk 360, and you’ll be all set. If you are not signed-in, the application will prompt you to login before you can proceed with the .RVT import.

Second, we are currently limited to the “Local Origin” option when using Interactive Placing in the Data Source Configuration window. Although there are four different placement options, Local Origin is the only one that is currently working in Autodesk InfraWorks R2 and +Ultimate R2. Ideate has tested, submitted, and confirmed with Autodesk that this is a bug in the application and it is being escalated to the Autodesk Development Team for further research.

Here are some screenshots of the options and the error that you’ll run into if you choose something other than Local Origin.

Select LOCAL ORIGIN as the Position option for model placement

Selecting Center 2D, Center 3D, or Lower Left Front all produce this error when the model tries to refresh with the new data source.

Refresh Failed error (Center 2D, Center 3D, or Lower Left Front options)

As mentioned earlier, we have confirmed this as a bug with Autodesk. But don’t worry; as long as you keep using the Local Origin option, you’ll be fine importing .RVT files into your InfraWorks models.
 
On a side note, the pre-R2 version of Autodesk InfraWorks installed from the Infrastructure Design Suite Ultimate along with Revit works with all position options when importing .RVT files.
 
If you’re interested in finding out more about the different features and flavors of Autodesk InfraWorks (there are currently four!) check out the post from Kate Ming, one of our ISD Techs in the San Francisco office. 
 

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Matt Miyamoto, P.E.
Ideate AEC Application Specialist
Matt is a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of Hawaii. Matt obtained a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and has 7 years of private sector design experience which he applies in his role as an application specialist with Ideate, Inc. His project experience includes residential and commercial site development, private and public sewer, water and drainage systems, harbors improvements, and roadway improvements. While in Hawaii, Matt was involved in multidisciplinary projects for City and County agencies, State Departments, the Army COE and private developers. @MattM_PE

Get it. Know it. Use it.

Important Information: Action may be required Change in Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suites Migration Policy

Autodesk recently sent subscription customers information regarding the automatic AutoCAD® Civil 3D® and AutoCAD® Map 3D upgrade offer to Autodesk® Infrastructure Design Suite 2014 Premium and Standard.  Ideate wants to make you aware of a change to the program. Based on your feedback Autodesk has decided to withdraw the offer to upgrade you automatically to Infrastructure Design Suite Premium or Standard and instead provide you with the option of choosing to upgrade. Autodesk still believes the Infrastructure Design Suite is the right solution for you but are changing the automatic upgrade offer in order to allow you the freedom to choose and make the best decision for your business.

You Decide

If you already opted out on the previous communication Autodesk sent you, no further action is required.

If you are an AutoCAD Civil 3D 2013 customer on Autodesk Subscription Autodesk is offering you the opportunity to upgrade to Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2014 Premium at no cost between now and July 15th 2013. This is a change from the previously communicated program and your access to Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite will no longer be available unless you opt in by July 15th 2013. Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium is a comprehensive BIM for Infrastructure software solution that provides intelligent model-based tools to help you gain more accurate and actionable insight throughout the lifecycle of your infrastructure project with access to desktop and cloud solutions.

If you are an AutoCAD Map 3D 2013 customer on Autodesk Subscription Autodesk is offering you the opportunity to upgrade to Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2014 Standard at no cost between now and July 15th 2013. This is a change from the previously communicated program and your access to Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite will no longer be available unless you opt in by July 15th 2013. Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Standard offers foundational planning, design and coordination capabilities both on the desktop and in the cloud.

If you do not take action by July 15th 2013, you will automatically be opted out and will receive the 2014 version of AutoCAD Civil 3D or AutoCAD Map 3D and current subscription entitlements for which you are eligible.

Learn More

Make sure to review email communications sent by Autodesk to Subscription customers for instructions and information including subscription renewal price changes associated with this migration. For additional information, please visit www.autodesk.com/idsmigration_help.

If you would like to learn more about Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite visit our website at www.ideateinc.com.

Ideate understands these migrations represent changes that affect budgeting and planning for software solution purchases. Our sales and support teams stand ready to answer any questions about the Autodesk changes and how they may affect you and your firm.

Phone: 888.662.7238
Email: sales@ideateinc.com

Civil 3D Subscription Download – Volumes Dashboard Extension for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012

Have you always wondered what happens to your Civil 3D subscription dollars?

Well, Autodesk keeps on adding value for subscription customers and released a new product extension exclusively for subscription customers:

Volumes Dashboard Extension for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012

Download from Subscription Center and install it easily.

Once installed you can access it from Toolbox tab of Toolspace under Subscription Extension Manager.

With this tool you are now able to: (advantages)

1. Create a volume surface right from this panorama or use a one created earlier.
2. Produce a volume report in one click; which is faster and less number of steps than before.
3. Export the volume information in the drawing as block with on click.
4. See the visual net graph in the panorama itself.
5. Calculate multiple bounded volumes.
6. Most of all the volume entry in the panorama stays there even after you close the drawing.

Volume Report in the Browser
 

 

Get more information and watch a video on autodesk.com Help.

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Gaurav Bagga
Infrastructure Solutions Application Specialist

Gaurav is a well rounded Application Engineer and Project Manager for Infrastructure Solutions at Ideate based out of San Francisco. He has over 15 years experience in construction industry and has been helping numerous small, medium and ENR 500 firms maximize their CAD investment for the last ten years. Gaurav is an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Autodesk Civil 3D Implementation Certified Expert. He has taught at several conferences, CAD Camps and Autodesk University. He has taught AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Land Desktop and Map 3D to thousands of students and helps Ideate develop the Infrastructure Services curriculum and courses. With his extensive CAD technology background he helps Bay Area engineering and surveying firms analyze and improve their design and drawing production process thereby improving productivity and the bottom line. Follow Gaurav on Twitter: @BeGeez

Get it. Know it. Use it.

Ideate Health Check - QC for Your BIM, Part 2

Last month Glynnis Patterson and I presented at the Seattle Revit User Group, SeaRUG. Our topic of discussion was the increasing need to quality control/quality check Building Information Models. More and more we’re seeing our customers continuing to push BIM and Revit further. Larger, more sophisticated, and advanced building information models are being created; and as a result, these models are gradually included in the deliverables in addition to the 2D documentation required for typical projects. More and more Building Information Models are being used by construction managers, estimators, fabricators and facilities management. Therefore the accuracy of these models is more important than ever before.

Simultaneously other areas of the industry are also recognizing this need as well. With the arrival of the AIA Document E202 BIM Model Protocol and the Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) the foundation is being laid to standardize and regulate the collaboration between all parties involved in the design, construction and management within a BIM project and beyond.

We’ve begun to see our customers spending an increasing amount of time managing these data rich models whether it’s for performance reasons or ensuring accurate data. To address this need we offer the Ideate Health Check.

One of the tools we use extensively for our Ideate Health Check is the Autodesk Revit Model Review. This tool is available through the Autodesk Subscription Center as part of the Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP. Once downloaded it’s installed under the Add-Ins tab in the ribbon.



The Revit Model Review Utility allows you to review the contents of a Revit model and linked models against your established firm/project standards, produce a detailed report and in some cases even allow you to fix the inaccuracies. The utility uses Check Files based on a multitude of parameters and filters. The utility includes several pre-built Check Files to review everything from model contents and naming conventions to energy modeling.

One of the most useful check files included with the utility is the GSA Autodesk Check. For anyone who has worked on a GSA project you know how important it is to follow their established standards. The GSA Autodesk check file is designed to be run at regular intervals throughout the life of the project; and used to review the contents of the Revit model so that it is up-to-date with current GSA Standards. It reviews items such as GSA Occupant Organization Names, Room Names, STAR Space Types/Categories, Security Zones and Preservation Zones as outlined in the GSA National 3D-4D-BIM Program. Using the the Model Review Utility coupled with the Autodesk GSA Revit Template is a quick and efficient way to manage GSA projects in Revit; ensuring all content is up-to-date with GSA Standards.



In addition to the pre-built Check Files that are included with the Revit Model Review we’ve created several of our own. They’re designed to be run quickly, yet pull detailed information from the model. One of my favorites is the Ideate Health Check_In Place Families Check File. A common mistake we see Revit users make is the use of in place families. In place families are intended to be used for unique “one time occurrence” elements, are unable to reference shared information as do regular families and can lead to performance issues. For more information take a look at the Autodesk Revit Model Performance Technical Note. It’s a great reference document Autodesk created in 2010. It goes into depth and offers best practices when working with Revit.

When we run our In Place Families Check and we see multiple instances of an in place family it tells us this object should really be created as regular family. Take a look below.



The Family Pavilion is copied eight times within this one project. I would use the Select By ID tool in the Manage tab and determine if these Pavilions are legitimate objects used in the model or if they were copied accidentally. If they are being used then I recommend creating this object as a true .rfa family.

We also use the Revit Model Review to quickly pick out case sensitive text. We built our Ideate Health Check_TextCaseFix Check File to quickly assess which annotative text, room/space name text and view text need to be changed to upper case or lower case. The best part of this Check File is Model Review will fix the text for you! You don’t have to manually search through the project selecting and editing the text. This is a huge timesaver! The screenshot below shows the results after running the check. Notice the “magic wand” icon under the fix column. Clicking the “magic wand” will fix all of the Room Names in the entire project that are in lower case or mixed to upper case in a matter of seconds. Awesome!



I highly recommend downloading and installing the Autodesk Model Review. It can be an indispensable tool to quickly assess your model and fix potential issues. When used in conjunction with Ideate Explorer for Revit and Ideate BIMLink, Autodesk Model Review allows you to produce increasingly data rich models while keeping them lean and manageable.

Is your project feeling a little under the weather? Contact Ideate, Inc. about a Health Check: 888.662.7238 or consulting@ideateinc.com.

Derek Wielkopolski
Technical Support Manager/Application Specialist
Derek holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University, Rhode Island. He is experienced working within the AEC industry from concept design through construction administration for both small and large scale projects. As Ideate’s Support Manager he ensures a timely and quality response to support requests and questions. Follow Derek on Twitter: @dwielk

Autodesk Subscription Advantage Packs: Tools That Make an Impact

Did you know that Autodesk Subscription Advantage Packs help you get ahead by giving you early access to the latest product enhancements?

Autodesk Subscription Advantage Packs contain valuable tools and services that vary by product and can include:

• Additional product features that expand and improve functionality
  
• Integrated web services that promote collaboration and support sustainable design
  
• Robust design content to enhance visualization and enrich renderings

Get started — download your Subscription Advantage Pack in just minutes at the Subscription Center.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

2011 Autodesk Subscription Advantage Packs - Ready for Download!

Subscription Advantage Packs are now available for 2011 Autodesk products.

Bookmark this page which has a comprehensive list of links to the Advantage Packs in Subscription Center and a "Learn More" page for each one.

You'll want to click through to check out the great details and videos provided for the 2011 products. One of our favorites is...

Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011
Autodesk Revit Server Extension
More easily collaborate on projects with geographically dispersed teams. Web-based services help keep teams coordinated as they work on a single project from separate locations.

Autodesk Revit Conceptual Energy Analysis
Make informed early design decisions by better understanding the impact of proposed designs on sustainability. Convert concept models into energy models for analysis, and more quickly compare design options in Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2011 software.

Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011
Extend the capabilities of Revit Architecture 2011 in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

How to Save on Autodesk Subscription

Did you know that financing is available for your Autodesk Subscription purchase?

In current economic conditions, we're all looking for ways to spend smart. Ideate customers can take advantage of two ways to save money or preserve cash when renewing Autodesk subscription contracts. Good financing rates are available right now, which allow you to hold on to cash longer, or you can take advantage of up to 10% discount when renewing for longer term.

Contact sales@ideateinc.com to learn more about financing with our partner U.S. Bank.



Get It. Know It. Use It.

Subscription Tips: Tutorials, Free Revit Tool

You’ve purchased your Autodesk software on subscription, now it’s time to take full advantage of the many benefits. Exclusive, member-only benefits are just a mouse click away.

Visit the Ideate Subscription Support page to see new Subscription Tutorials, which will help you access your Subscription Benefits, manage your contract, and set up access for end users.

Setting Up Your Subscription Account
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3... The Subscription Center Account Set Up is a one-time process that takes only a few minutes to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Setting Up and Modifying User Accounts
Learn how to setup a new user, give them access to benefits and modify their account settings.

Using the Contract Administration Tools
Access reports that include complete contract information, and learn how to manage software coordinators and software groups.

In addition, you can view items prepared by the Ideate Tech Experts to guide you through the specifics of requesting a physical software copy for backup.

Subscription Center: Change Product Delivery Method from Download to DVD (video)

Subscription Center: Request Product DVD/CD (pdf)

Get Your Free Download of Ideate Explorer for Revit
If you are an Ideate Subscription customer, you receive the benefit of this easy, intuitive and profound way to search, quantify and select elements in a Revit model - for FREE! Contact software@ideateinc.com to learn more.

Autodesk Subscription
Lower costs. More flexibility. Priority support.
(Haven't purchased Autodesk Subscription yet? Contact sales@ideateinc.com or click here to learn more about the benefits of Autodesk Subscription.)

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Autodesk Subscription Benefit - Storm and Sanitary Analysis 2011

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis 2011 is an advanced, powerful, and comprehensive modeling package for analyzing and designing urban drainage systems, stormwater sewers, and sanitary sewers.

And available as an extension for AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Map 3D Subscription customers in North America!

To learn more about the software, read the Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis 2011 User Guide.

Visit the Subscription Center to download.

Not on Subscription yet? Contact sales@ideateinc.com to learn about the advantages of Autodesk Subscription.

Why is "Reseller of Record" Important?

What exactly does it mean when you name "reseller of record" on your Autodesk software purchase?

With Ideate, Inc. as your dealer of record, your software subscription entitles you a wealth of resources. As long as you have an active Autodesk Subscription contract and Ideate is named as the dealer of record, you have access to Ideate web and telephone support, as well as Autodesk web support.

• Our team of professional Civil Engineers, Registered Architects, software programmers, and CAD and professionals can assist with process improvement, CAD/Engineering standards development, CAD integration, and software customization.
  
• As a leading Autodesk Authorized Training Center, Ideate can fulfill all your training needs with regularly scheduled classes, convenient eLearning or with customized instruction to meet specific needs.
  
• Check our Events page for a calendar of upcoming community events. Spend time with your peers in the engineering and architectural community to network and share ideas.
  
• Our Network Specialists can help you stay on top of the deployment of your Autodesk software.

Ideate offers a variety of free resources for our communities. Check out:

• Ideate Support – Links to licensing info, migration tips and more
  
• Case Studies – real world experience from Ideate customers
  
• White Papers – detailed technical information
  
• IdeateInc on Twitter – breaking news
  
• Ideate Solutions blog – customer news, tech tips, industry updates (look, you've already found it!)
  
• YouTube – watch recordings from Ideate’s Tech Experts

We measure our success on your success and focus our efforts on helping you achieve your goals and objectives.

To learn more, contact sales@ideateinc.com

Ideate 2011 Migration Tips - OS, Virtual PC, XP Mode

Are you on Subscription, ready to download 2011, or considering a move to the new release? Ideate's Technical Support team has put together the key things you need to know - answers to frequently asked questions about migrating to Autodesk 2011 products, including hardware recommendations and network considerations.

Operating System (OS) Recommendations per Product and Software Version

Selecting the right OS is an important decision. Autodesk subscription holders have the right to install and run older versions of the software in addition to the most recent version.

Bear in mind that newer operating systems, such as Windows 7, while more efficient in many ways, may not support the installation of older versions of Autodesk software, printers, or other programs. If you are considering Win 7 64-bit you need to learn about Virtual PC - see below.

Ideate believes that Win 7 64-bit will earn our "Preferred" status for all of the Autodesk 2011 products but we have not yet completed our testing.

What You Need to Know About Virtual PC and XP Mode

Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 makes it easy to install and run many Windows XP productivity applications directly from your Windows 7-based PC. It utilizes virtualization technology, such as Windows Virtual PC, to provide a virtual Windows XP environment for Windows 7.

Please note that not all hardware is going to support XP Mode in windows 7. Only CPUs w/ Hardware Virtualization Technology will be able to run the XP Mode. Microsoft provides a tool that lets you scan your system to see if it will support Virtualization/ WinXP Mode.

Ideate customers with Autodesk Subscription or Ideate Premium Support should not hesitate to contact Ideate Support with questions regarding support for older version. Ideate also provides migration consulting - contact your Ideate Account Manager for more information.

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

Ideate 2011 Migration Tips - Hardware

Are you on Subscription, ready to download 2011, or considering a move to the new release? Ideate's Technical Support team has put together the key things you need to know - answers to frequently asked questions about migrating to Autodesk 2011 products, including hardware recommendations and network considerations.

Let's start with hardware recommendations...

These general hardware recommendations from Ideate are intended for those working in a production environment using any one of the following Autodesk 2011 products: Civil 3D, Revit (all flavors) and Autodesk Navisworks.

1. Purchase computers that are capable of at least 16GB whether you put the memory in now or later. Laptops need a capability of 8GB.

2. Put no less than 8GB in all machines that are doing production work. RAM is affordable and really needed to do larger or more complex projects.

3. 64-bit machines are generally preferred over 32-bit machines due to the memory limitations (4GB) for the 32-bit machines.

4. Refer to the Operating System (OS) Chart for more detailed OS recommendations.

5. Dual screen monitors are a must for both laptop and workstation users (productivity increases exponentially). 1900x1200 is recommended for external monitors – 24” LCD or larger preferred.

6. Do not purchase an integrated video card (where the video card is taking from the machine’s RAM.) Do not use gaming type video cards.

7. Video cards should have RAM (512MB should work). Keep video card drivers up-to-date. Refer to your Autodesk product for details on certified graphics cards. We highly recommend purchasing and testing one video card, even if it's certified, before settling on a system.

8. There are some benefits in using 7200 RPM hard drives. SSD hard drives are best, but too small and too expensive right now. Size of hard drive is totally dependent on where the data is held (network vs. locally.) Ideate recommends network locations, so hard drive size in the 500GB should be sufficient.

9. If you get a chance to get a i7 processor – that is the latest processor (therefore the fastest.)

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

Autodesk Subscription Tip - Autodesk Impression 3

Windows 7 users: Autodesk has released a hotfix for Autodesk Impression 3: click here.

For earlier versions of Impression, other enhancements can be found here.

Autodesk Impression 3 is available to Autodesk Subscription members. If you have not downloaded it yet, visit your Subscription web page. In the Downloads section, under the Product Enhancements, you will find a link for Autodesk Impression.



Submitted by Ron Palma, AEC Application Specialist.

Ron will be presenting his popular Autodesk University 2009 Impressions classes in Seattle on May 17.

Click here to register for the free sessions!

Autodesk Subscription Tip - Download or DVD?

The Autodesk 2011 product portfolio is in the process of being released.

This year, Autodesk has changed the standard product delivery method from DVD's and CD's to download to reduce the environmental impact of producing and shipping materials worldwide.

If you are on Subscription, and would prefer DVD to the standard download, Ideate's Support Manager Derek Wielkopolski has put together a quick tutorial on how to update your profile in Subscription Center.

Click here to view the video.

Not yet on Subscription? Contact sales@ideateinc.com to learn all the advantages that Subscription offers you and your firm.

Autodesk Impression: Free Squared - Get It, Learn It

Did you know that Autodesk Impression is available FREE to Autodesk Subscription customers for many Autodesk software products?

Impress your colleagues and clients with compelling presentation-ready graphics created directly from your DWG and DWF files. Autodesk Impression design presentation software is easy to use, saves you time, and recognizes data from your CAD files.

Get the download here...

Then join Ideate's Ron Palma for his AU2009 presentation on using Autodesk Impression. Register now for the free workshops:

Ideate Training Center, Fox Tower/Portland, March 11

Ideate Training Center, Columbia Center/Seattle, May 17

Free squared!

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