BIM in the Cloud

Cloud computing is a new phrase that has become all the rage in IT industries and in our private lives. Storing information on a central server that multiple people can access to collaborate or create something is becoming more common.

This method is now reaching the construction industry and may create a new way of doing business, getting jobs done quickly and sharing the information with various people and organizations speedily. There are a number of examples of these cloud driven BIM software.  Included here are a couple of examples of paid versions:

BIM Manager a part of Viewpoint For Project Collaboration is an easy to use browser-based application for BIM collaboration. BIM Manager enables you to integrate your construction data from multiple sources into a common model where you can collaboratively review, annotate and comment on large quantities of documents such as RFIs, submittals, schedules and other project related documents.

BIM 360 from AutoDesk is another construction management software which enables almost anytime, anywhere access to project data throughout the building construction lifecycle. BIM 360 empowers those in the field to better anticipate and act, and those in the back office to optimize and manage all aspects of construction performance.

The idea of taking a client through a build just using a web browser or creating real time changes from various locations across the world would certainly be of interest for construction managers and owners.