Desktop, mobile, and Web
Cedric Desbordes is in charge of marketing at Graebert, and he's now telling us what his company is working at. (See photo at left.) They have taken a huge gamble in being the first to have full CAD on Android, and first full DWG-based CAD in Web browsers. In brief, they now offer:
- ARES Commander - desktop Linux, Mac, and Windows
- ARES Touch - Android, iPad, and iPhone mobile devices
- ARES Kudo - Web browser
Much of the same API can be used on all three: LISP, C++, and DCL. Further, each platform has APIs specific, as illustrated below:
Graebert is pushing hard into mobile, because of the following statistics. Mobile is growing in a way that desktop isn't, as well as being overwhelming in total numbers:
He sees that tablets are now competing in the professional and business markets, where iPads and Microsoft tablets tend to dominate over Android. Microsoft has its new Surface 4 and Apple its new iPad Pro -- with Google catching up with its Pixel C keyboard-equipped tablet. In all case, the keyboard is sold separately, I note, ironically.
Mobile CAD is good for accessing your drawings "anywhere," for replacing paper. Mobile devices are lighter and always present; turning on and off is instant. Use tablets for presentations and informal meetings -- easier than a laptop. The camera and mic are useful for recording issues on-site. Can get emails with attachment from the office.
Okay, over the "cloud" or server-based CAD. The benefits for users, Mr Desbordes says, is that you can access files and do editing from "any" device, and makes it easier to share files. Features are always up to date, it is easier to collaborate on complex projects, and versioning can handle different design ideas with no limit in history.
Meanwhile, PCs will not be going away. They have a longer lifetime (phones get broken easily), and have a higher performance/value ratio than mobile devices. Works offline for confidentiality and areas with no Internet connectivity.
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