Graebert is a CAD developer with a novel solution. It offers its DWG-compatible ARES software in three synchronized versions: ARES Commander for desktop computers, Touch for mobile devices, and Kudo for browser-based use. Kudo also provides Kudo Hub, a file synchronization system that allows users to continue with their existing cloud storage provider. Drawings that start on the desktop can be opened by authorized users on any mobile device, or any computer with a contemporary browser. Kudo Hub ensures that the most current version of the drawing is available to all, and avoids conflicts by preventing users from changing a drawing that’s open elsewhere. The purchase of any version of ARES gives users access to Kudo Hub.

Looking ahead, all other CAD vendors will be forced to find a path forward that looks similar to what Onshape, Graebert, Autodesk, and others are pioneering — uniting desktop and cloud. The rise of smartphone technology has taught us to expect a variety of data types from multiple sources at our fingertips. A single local file is an outdated technology. Twenty years from now we may still refer to our drawings and models as “files,” but the idea of a software box that holds data will be long gone as files become databases managed by Web services.

Do you want to learn about the future of CAD file formats?

This Cadalyst report by Randall Newton can help you make better decisions regarding choosing your next CAD Solution.