Server for CAD Programs
This hardware recommendation applies to file servers for Vertex CAD program versions 2024 (30.0).
Hardware information updated
05.08.2024
General
Commonly used is the Windows Server platform, which can also be virtualized. The Windows Server version is recommended to be the same version that Windows' own updates also support when the CAD program version is released. With the current 2024 CAD versions, Windows Server 2016 or later is recommended.
Server installation of Vertex CAD programs is purely file sharing.
- In this case, the file share can be any share supporting the Windows network, such as Windows server share and Linux samba share, NAS network storage etc.
- The server's mass memory (for example disk) stores the required data (files included in the Vertex program) and customer’s models, drawings, libraries, etc., and is then shared to CAD applications on workstations.
The actual Vertex process is used only on the (client) workstation and Vertex data is read from the server file sharing.
- In other words, the load of the processes caused by modeling, rendering, and drawing is only applied to the workstation, not to the server.
- Only reading and saving files (models, drawings, and archives) will load the server in the I/O functions of its disk.
File server works only in the local network
- The file server installation of the Vertex CAD program is intended for local network use only.
- Usage is easy to extend to more workstations. It is also easy to arrange backup.
- The Vertex CAD program is installed on workstations from the server using the so-called Client.bat installation that brings the program to the workstations with the necessary attachments.
- The speed of the local network must be at a good level.
- The workstations must be efficient enough for the size of the models.
Important things when a server only works as a file server for Vertex CAD programs
- Speed of server I/O functions. (Faster is better.)
- Disk space requirement = space required by the operating system + the amount of data of the Vertex software + data growth estimate.
- Main memory requirement = minimum is 8 GB, but it depends on whether the server also has a load other than the processes caused by the operating system and antivirus.
- Network card = must not be slower than in the local area network.
Please note
You can read instructions for remote use in Remote Work with Vertex CAD.