BIM server online hosting

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,
we are currently using AC 13 and 15 in teamwork in our little LAN, with two computers connected. The BIM server is currently installed on one of the two computers.

However, in the future we may need to expand by having a couple of professionals join us remotely from two different cities. They'll need to be able to have full access to our BIM server in order to work with us.

My question is: for such a small network, is it worth it to move our BIM server to an online hosting service?

I had a look at BimXS (http://www.bimxs.com/), but even the cheapest plan would turn out to be too expensive for us. A project stays active for 2-3 years at least, so it would cost more than 1.000 euro just to host it.

Is there a cheaper option? Is anyone using the BIM server in a similar way?

Thank you!

Enrico

[Anonymous]

You can host from your own computer quite easily. Of course this will depend on the quality of your internet connection.

If you are doing it regularly or persistently it will be worth getting a dedicated machine. Depending on the complexity of the projects a Mac mini (plain or server model) might well do the trick.

The problem with remote hosting for BIMserver is that the application has to be running so you have to use a dedicated server. Last I checked this starts at about $200US/month.

[Anonymous]

I have a similar situation. There's no point in virtual hosting the BIM service. You will likely need to find yourself another PC just to run the BIM server software.. use one of those obsolete workstations you have stashed under the stairs and put a fast hard disk in it and plenty of ram.. set it up with a fixed local IP address... You can set up a VPN tunnel to your BIM Server alone.. or to your whole LAN... You need DNS service pointing to your router's internet IP address.. you can have a fixed IP for this.. or use a dynamic address service such as NO-ip.com.

Gaz