Help choosing a file server and possibly Vault server

[pball]

My company is currently running 8 Inventor users and 5 AutoCAD Electrical users off of a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device (apparently not a good one either). To say things are slow is putting it nicely and after running a few simple tests opening a large drawing from a few different network and local storages I've convinced management there is an issue. It took 360 seconds to open from the NAS, 100 seconds from a more traditional server, and 10 seconds from my local SSD storage.

Anyone on the forums have their hands in hosting their engineering data? I'm the resident computer geek in engineering but I haven't dealt with "real" servers and business grade hardware before. So if anyone could share their file hosting specs or give suggestions to keep bottlenecks to a minimum I'd appreciate it.

With my knowledge I'd currently push for a decent Xeon processor, 32gb+ ram, fast storage array, and multiple network ports. I think something along those lines could serve files to a dozen or more people without bottle necking.

Another semi related topic is running Vault on the same server, we would start with Vault basic but could possibly upgrade if it works well and the features make sense.

[Mark.Lancaster]

@pball

Right now you have too many players/users for Vault basic.   When you have over 5 concurrent users, Vault is going to throttle back on you..

[jhackney1972]

I would start by reading the linked document fully.  It gives the requirements and some recommendations for selecting both the server and the workstations required to run any version of Vault.  You mentioned 12 people using the Vault at the same time.  If this is the case you will HAVE to make sure your are running a fully copy of Microsoft SQL, Express will not work effectively with this number of users at the same time.  Forget about multiple network adapters, the Vault server must be on the same domain as the Vault clients, you only need on network card.  One thing to also remember, a server full backup may include a backup of the Vault but DO NOT use it to replace a regular scheduled Vault backup.  Virtual servers are also supported by Autodesk Vault and they have some very unique advantages.

On the subject of running Vault on the server, most companies do this for configuration and administration needs.  You can also use it for production work but normally that is very efficient or accessible.  One big thing to keep in mind, if you chose to use Vault Basic, you cannot install it on the server UNLESS you have at least one qualifying Autodesk application installed.  This would mean an extra license for that application.

[Mark.Lancaster]

@pball

@jhackney1972 makes a good point that I should've clarified when I made my statement..  Assuming you just stick to Vault basic and SQL express (that comes with it)..  The throttle back comment I made is based on that assumption.  But if you invest in full SQL than it goes away but at that point if you are investing into SQL I would recommend going the paid route of Vault.  Do you have a reseller/VAR?  Start a Vault pilot project with them. 

Clarification... ( @jhackney1972)

Also not sure why you would be using a server as your CAD tool (running Inventor or Acad), but perhaps I missing something that you are trying to say.  So there would really no sense of putting the Vault basic client on a server.   Anyhow my 2 cents.. 

[pball]

@jhackney1972

Why would Vault Basic have to be installed along side of a license of another Autodesk product? I haven't seen that requirement anywhere and it doesn't make sense because it's recommended to run Vault on a dedicated server.

It's nice to know about the basic version of SQL and it's limits, though that's a plus to me since Vault is only a possibility now and testing it as cheap as possible will be helpful. Unless things have changed a Vault guide said the SQL can be upgraded to a full version later on. As for getting a VAR involved, before I started here they apparently got a quote and the multi thousand price tag for just the install and training not including Vault was too much for the powers that be.

Though right now my priority is just getting a good file server. I was hoping someone might have suggestions beyond the recommended specs, since those usually aren't are real indicator of performance.

[Mark.Lancaster]

@pball

In order to install Vault basic client on any given machine..  You must first install a qualified CAD application like AutoCad, Inventor and so on in order to install the (Vault basic) client.  Certain end users who are not CAD users what to interact with Vault basic and the data but they can't because they don't have any CAD application.  So what @jhackney1972 is pointed out if you go that route you need a licensed CAD application on those machines and thus its a license aspect you need to consider.

[pball]

Ok, your explanation clears up that topic.

My next question is I've read about a stand alone Vault browser for non CAD people, is that only available for the paid versions of Vault then?

[Mark.Lancaster]

@pball

I assume you are talking about the Vault Web (Thin) Client?  If so that's only available in Vault Pro (version).

If you go Vault Workgroup or Pro, the Vault Client can be installed on any machines and used as along as you have enough Vault license.