Why Cloud-Based CAD Services are Rising in Popularity: Benefits and Risks

The global cloud computing market grows very fast. In 2021, it was estimated at $445 billion and is expected to grow to more than $947 billion by 2026. This growth is understandable, as cloud services help businesses perform resource-demanding computing online.

It saves money, as otherwise, businesses would have to build sophisticated computer infrastructure on their own. But cloud computing is a general term that involves all on-demand services on the internet.

These services are divided into three categories: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). A cloud can be private or public, which can help designers and businesses share their CAD files faster.

But some disadvantages arise when using a cloud service. It doesn’t seem to stop businesses, as per IDC, spending on dedicated cloud infrastructure has increased globally by 34.4% compared to the previous year.

Why do designers use clouds?

Cloud-based CAD services have been around for quite a while, and, by now, they have developed a vast infrastructure all over the internet. This makes them suitable for businesses of all sizes. Several advantages make people consider using them. Those are:

Broad network access. A designer can upload and download up-to-date CAD files from anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection.

Subscription-based model. You don’t need to buy a full license pack if you only need to use one service. The option to pay only for the services you use is appealing to small and medium businesses.

Scaling up and down. A designer can easily scale up the number of services if they are working on many projects. The same works as demands decrease and it’s possible to scale down. This eliminates the need for massive investment in digital infrastructure that may or may not remain active.

Data and workforce mobility. Users can access information with any device if they are connected to the internet. You don’t need to send a courier with a USB drive to your contractor just to share a CAD file with them. It also helps get rid of multiple hard drives littering your office, as all information is centralized and stored in one place. Also, a cloud-based CAD program allows you to update and manage your files from anywhere in the world.

Preventing data loss if losing a device. Storing CAD files in the cloud guarantees that users always access their data even if their devices are inoperable. This helps in the event of emergencies, like power outages. So even if your business suffered severe material losses, your primary asset — intellectual property (IP) will stay with you.

These advantages are appealing to designers and entrepreneurs as they help cut costs and make it easier to manage the workflow. But a business should take into consideration the risks and disadvantages of trusting all its assets to cloud-based CAD services.

Risks to consider, before jumping on the cloud train

Security remains a primary concern for any designer dealing with cloud-based CADS. When relying on a cloud to store and share files, entrepreneurs risk falling victim to a cyber attack.

Also, there is a lack of transparency regarding how your CADs are handled by a provider. And if the cloud’s host stops providing services, your data will be lost.

When transferring data from local storage into cloud storage, it may be hard to manage compliance with third parties. It is important to know where the host is to maintain control over your file when in transit.

Planning a budget may be hard with a subscription model. Fluctuating workload demands make it tough to plan for final costs. If a designer lacks experience and expertise, they may have trouble defining what exact services are required at the moment. So forming a final budget can be challenging.

Clouds require trained personnel. A company that wants to work with a cloud needs a skilled specialist that can architect, deploy, and manage data flows within a cloud. Failure to find one leads to challenges in the file management and is bound to lead to security issues.

Adapting to clouds. Migrating to a cloud infrastructure is often challenging. It is likely to take longer than expected and exceed your budget estimations. Though it is easier for smaller businesses that are new to the market to migrate there than to hardcore design studios. But this problem is also security-concerning, as there is the risk of losing your CADs when moving them from one storage to another.

Cloud-based CAD services are ultimately a good thing, as they help save a lot of money when it comes to data processing. But same as other tools, it must be used wisely, with all risks considered.