Softvise Cadmium Cloud Infrastructure Guide

Softvise Cadmium Cloud is the web-based application for creating and maintaining very large 3D Digital Twins.
It consists of several software components that are run on one or more internet servers.

In this article, the basic system architecture is explained and guidance is given on how to choose the optimal server infrastructure.

Softvise Cadmium Cloud

The Softvise Cadmium Cloud system is a suite of software services made in its entirety by Softvise.

The system provides shared access to very large 3D Digital Twins without the need for any other software installation on the customer side.

Model Server

The model server is the central data server that stores all project data and especially the 3D model data. The server handles model upload and download and feeds the render agents with all the data needed for 3D visualization.

It is typically configured as a standard database server with generous mass storage capacity.

In some cases, a Cadmium Cloud installation can feature more than one model server.

Render Agents

When a user logs in and opens a project, a render agent is activated. It receives the user interactions and responds with an image stream visualizing the 3D model.

One render server, which has to be equipped with an appropriate 3D graphics card, can host a definite number of render agents.

The maximum number of independent parallel users determines how many render agents need to be provisioned.

Web Application

The Softvise Cadmium Cloud web application is the single access point to the system. It provides all the functionality to the user.

The application runs in a web browser without the need for any other software to be installed.

In addition, there are no particular hardware needs — especially no need for a 3D graphics card.

Intelligent bandwidth management allows usage over a slow internet connection although a good connection is recommended.

Client Access

Access to the Softvise Cadmium Cloud is possible from anywhere.

There is no limitation with respect to the type of device or the type of operating system that the device runs.

Decision Points

How Many Parallel Users?

One of the most important criteria for determining the hardware needed is the number of users working at the same time with the Softvise Cadmium Cloud.

To find the optimal number of servers (ranging from one combined server to multiple dedicated model and render servers) and their hardware configuration the average and maximum number of parallel users needs to be assessed.

Users include all 3D visualization sessions opened by registered users as well as all the temporary connections opened by external partners that have been sent a one-click access link.

How Much Model Data?

Three quantities need to be determined:

Mass storage capacity to hold all model data
3D graphics performance requirements
Data traffic generated by upload, download and 3D visualization

Softvise has established baseline numbers and can derive these quantities from average project sizes and basic usage characteristics.

Where to Host the Servers?

Because Softvise Cadmium Cloud is a self-contained software system developed by Softvise there are no restrictions with respect to where the system is deployed.

Typically, the system is hosted in one of these ways:

Dedicated physical servers «on premises», i. e., as part of the customer's IT infrastructure
Dedicated physical servers hosted in a trusted data center, provided by Softvise or self-managed by the customer
«Infrastructure as a service», i. e., virtual servers provided by a trusted Cloud Service Provider

Softvise offers maintenance plans and service level agreements to keep hard- and software up-to-date and running.

How to Operate the System?

Softvise assists the rollout of Softvise Cadmium Cloud with installation, configuration and training services. Maintenance plans are available to receive support and to keep the software up-to-date.

Softvise can also offer full system administration of the servers that run Softvise Cadmium Cloud.

Additionally, Softvise can be trusted with managing Cadmium Cloud projects, users and groups, with creating and maintaining 3D models and with providing engineering services around the project.

Popular Setups

The Softvise Cadmium Cloud software suite has proven itself in a variety of different IT landscapes. The most pertinent types are outlined in the following.

Turn-key Solution by Softvise

Softvise provides the Softvise Cadmium Cloud service including hosting and all administrative functions as well as the creation and maintenance of the 3D models so that the customer is competely relieved from any tasks concerning the operation of Softvise Cadmium Cloud.

Hosted by Softvise

Softvise provides Softvise Cadmium Cloud and the hosting of the needed servers according to the customer's choices. The administration of the software and maintenance of the 3D models remain fully in the hands of the customer.

Intranet with Assistance from Softvise

Softvise provides the Cadmium Cloud service under an elevated service level for managing the servers and/or administrating the software. The servers themselves are provided by the customer and are part of a secured IT infrastructure.

«On Premises»

The customer licenses the Softvise Cadmium Cloud software suite, deploys it on its own servers and takes care of all configuration, administration and operation tasks himself. Softvise assists within the scope of a maintenance plan or on an individual basis.

Add-on Service

Softvise Cadmium Cloud is run under the control of Softvise as a complementary service to an application that the customer provides to his clients. The integration of the systems is implemented using the application programming interface that comes with Softvise Cadmium Cloud.

White-label Integration

Softvise Cadmium Cloud is integrated as an internal service of a customer application. This can go as far as a full white-label integration. Softvise contributes with specific software development to implement the desired level of integration.