Hey everyone! I'm really curious about the practicality of running a file server in Azure for managing around 3 TB of CAD and engineering data. Specifically, I'm interested in setups using tools like EPLAN, AutoCAD, and MicroStation. Has anyone had success in making these configurations work smoothly so that large files open quickly and saving isn't a hassle?
If you have experience with solutions like Azure Files, NetApp Files, AVD, or a hybrid approach, please share what's worked for you and any pitfalls to avoid. Additionally, if you could provide a rough estimate of the monthly costs for storage, performance, and possibly backups for this data size, that would be super helpful for budgeting!
3 Answers
To kick things off, it’s crucial to consider how you’ll be using those files. Are they accessed globally, or are your users close to the Azure setup? Performance needs can vary significantly based on these factors. Plus, think about backups and how you want to structure permissions and file organization. If future scalability matters, options like Nasuni might be worth a look. It has built-in backup and disaster recovery that could be helpful!
From what I’ve seen, a client tried moving CAD files to SharePoint and had a nightmare. The performance was awful, and they ended up shifting everything to Azure Files with a VPN for bandwidth, which was an improvement but still not ideal. Eventually, a couple of engineers just bought a fancy NAS themselves because they were fed up with all the issues. It’s a real cautionary tale about following trends without understanding the workflows of engineers!
I totally relate! SharePoint has so many limitations for heavy CAD use. It’s important to recognize the specific needs of your workflow before making a switch to Azure or any cloud-based solution.
For what you’re doing, Azure NetApp Files might be your best bet for performance. Just make sure everything is set up in the same zone as your AVD compute VMs for optimal results. And definitely test everything multiple times before proceeding!
Absolutely! With so many aspects to consider, it's key to assess your specific needs. Ransomware recovery and collaboration can heavily influence your choice.