3DS need real life help
2 messages in this thread
I am soliciting real-life experiences from AutoCAD and 3dStudio users to assist
me in a debate over the cost-effective merits of networked PCs for an
architectural design/animation environment versus 'big-silicon,' i.e., SGI Indy
or Sparc workstations. I have a client who is struggling with this decision at
this time. This individual is an architect who finally wants to move to CADD
and do big-time architectural renderings and animations up to 10-15 minutes in
length!
I would appreciate any input from those who have dealt with workstations and
can share their experiences with me (be they gory or glory). I will be meeting
this individual this coming Friday, so I would appreciate a quick response.
Dennis:
I would suggest that an SGI network would break the bank of most
architectural offices and leave you without the flexibility of a
WindowsNT setup. I suggest that you put a computer on every
architect's desk which can perform every task that each individual is
likely to need: CADD, animation, word processing, e-mail, fax/modem,
image editing, page layout, spread-sheet, project scheduling, etc.
You could start with a DOS/Windows environment but you'll want to go
to WindowsNT as 3D Studio and CADD applications migrate to NT. I
would also suggest you look seriously into MicroGDS as an alternative
CAD package to Autodesk's AutoCAD. MicroGDS gives you what AutoCAD
offers, plus it was written for NT, plus it has better functionality
than the add-on ADE, plus it has a fully functioning photorealistic
rendering/modelling package all for less than AutoCAD alone. You can
open and save files in many formats including .dxf and .dwg. If you
have projects which require many people accessing the same files at
the same time then you'll definitely want to look at solution like
MicroGDS. There are a lot of issues which your client will have to
weigh (such as training, technical support, etc.). What processors
give you the best bang for the buck? IMHO, the DEC Alpha processors
are quite a value and they can even do division <G>. Since NT can
take advantage of multiple processors there's even more reason to
consider a WindowsNT setup for fast rendering and other compute
intensive tasks. There's my $.02 worth. Best of luck with your
client.