The GRAPHISOFT BIMcloud is a multi-component server application used to support Teamwork, a client-server technology that enables fast, simultaneous access to projects for multiple clients. The BIMcloud is connected through the network to several ArchiCADs, which are the clients in this system. The BIMcloud enables efficient management of multiple, large-scale Teamwork projects and is therefore optimal for large company operations. It addresses fundamental issues related to hosting a large number of projects on several server computers – including
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centralized, web-based remote control and management of projects;
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a comprehensive approach to user and permissions management to meet the needs of highly structured companies.
An ArchiCAD client can access only those Teamwork projects which are located on a BIMcloud Server of the same version number as the ArchiCAD client. If the ArchiCAD client’s version number is different from the BIMcloud Server version number, communication can take place only after you install a BIMcloud Server of the same version number as the ArchiCAD client.
However, ArchiCAD can access all BIMcloud Managers whose version number is equal or greater than ArchiCAD version number.
Hardware/Software Requirements
Recommended Operating Systems for BIMcloud Manager, BIMcloud Server, BIMcloud Delta Cache
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Windows 8.1 (64-bit version)
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Windows 8 (64-bit version)
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Windows 7 (64-bit version)
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Windows Server 2012 R2
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Windows Server 2012
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Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite
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Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks
Notes on Older Systems
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Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion is compatible but not tested by GRAPHISOFT
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Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and Mac OS X 10.7 Lion are not compatible (BIMcloud cannot be installed)
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Windows Server 2008 R2 is compatible but not tested by GRAPHISOFT
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Windows Vista is not compatible (BIMcloud cannot be installed)
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Windows XP is not compatible (BIMcloud cannot be installed)
Recommended Hardware
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Processor:
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BIMcloud Manager: 64-bit processor
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BIMcloud Server and BIMcloud Delta Cache: 64-bit processor with four or more cores
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RAM:
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BIMcloud Manager: 4 GB
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BIMcloud Server and BIMcloud Delta Cache: 16 GB or more is recommended
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Hard disk space:
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BIMcloud Manager: 5 GB free disk space is required for the installation
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BIMcloud Server: 5 GB free disk space is required for the installation, 10 GB or more is required per active project
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BIMcloud Delta Cache: 10 GB free disk space is required for the installation, 40 GB or more is required per active project
Minimum Hardware for BIMcloud Manager, BIMcloud Delta Cache, BIMcloud Server
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Processor: 64-bit processor with two cores
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RAM: 4 GB
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Hard disk space: 5 GB or more is required for the installation
Other Software
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Java 8 or later is required. You can find details here: http://www.graphisoft.com/Java
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Supported browsers:
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Google Chrome (26 or newer)
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Internet Explorer (10 or newer)
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Safari (5.1 or newer)
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Firefox (20 or newer)
Installation Options
If the computer already contains any BIMcloud components, then the installation options will be different.
New BIMcloud Installation
Use this option if you would like to set up a completely new BIMcloud. It will set up a BIMcloud Manager and optionally a BIMcloud Server on the computer.
Extend an Existing BIMcloud
Use this option if you already have a BIMcloud in your office and would like to extend its resources with an additional BIMcloud Server or BIMcloud Delta Cache. The installer will guide you through the possible installation options.
Upgrade a BIM Server
Use this option if you already have a BIM Server and would like to upgrade it to a BIMcloud.
If you already have a BIMcloud and would like to connect an existing BIM Server to it: see Uninstall BIM Server Manager Only.
Upgrade a BIMcloud Studio
Use this option if you already have a BIMcloud Studio and would like to upgrade it to a BIMcloud.
Configuration
BIMcloud Manager
Page 1: BIMcloud Manager Configuration
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Server Name: By default, the BIMcloud will use the name of your computer. All server pop-ups will identify the BIMcloud by this name.
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Master Administrator password: Create a secure password for the Master Administrator (masteradmin) user. This Master Administrator will always be able to log in with full access to all hosted data. In case you forget the password, you must reconfigure your BIMcloud and enter a new password.
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Port: Select a free port, or use the Pick free port command to automatically find one.
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Data folder: This is the BIMcloud Manager’s data storage folder.
Note: Projects will be stored in a different folder – as defined in the BIMcloud Server configuration wizard.
Click Next to go to the next configuration page.
Page 2: Public Key
You can find the Public Key of the BIMcloud Manager here. The install process automatically generates a new one (no need to generate a new one). Click Start BIMcloud Manager to start your server. After a successful start, the Configuration Wizard will continue in a browser. (If your browser does not open automatically, then use the following URL: http://localhost:PORT, where PORT is the port you entered on the first page.)
Page 3: Continue the Configuration in a Browser
Page 4: Log In to BIMcloud Manager
Enter the Master Administrator password to Log in to the BIMcloud Manager.
Page 5: Create the First User
Enter data for the first user. This user will be the first Server Administrator on the BIMcloud Manager. Fill in all the fields:
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Login name
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Password, Verify password
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Full Name
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Email address
Page 6: Set up Primary Address
The BIMcloud’s Primary address will uniquely identify your server, even if ArchiCAD is using a different address to connect.
See details at Connection Settings.
If you already set up the server’s address, you can enter it directly in the address field. If you would like to use one of the server’s current addresses, click Show current addresses and pick the desired one.
Keep in mind that if you use Dynamic IP Addresses at your office, then this address can easily change day by day. It is recommended to use a fixed IP address, a computer name, or a fully qualified domain name as the primary address.
You can change this address later, on the BIMcloud Manager’s Settings panel.
Page 7: Set Up Mail Server
Use these fields to define the mail which will send information by email from the BIMcloud to the users. The mail server definition can be modified later in the browser-based BIMcloud Manager interface.
Note: Using a mail server is optional. However, if you don’t define a mail server here, you won’t be able to send emails (e.g. password reminders) to users from the BIMcloud.
Click Continue to finalize configuration.
Page 8: Complete Installation
It is recommended to log out now as the Master Administrator, and then log in as the newly created user. It is not recommended to use the Master Administrator account for everyday tasks. If a BIMcloud Server is already installed on the computer then the install process will automatically pair the new BIMcloud Manager with the existing BIMcloud Server.
BIMcloud Server
Page 1: BIMcloud Server Configuration
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Port: Select a free port or use the “Find an available port” command to automatically find one.
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Project data folder: Enter or Browse the location of the default Project Data Folder. This will be the location of Teamwork Projects on this BIMcloud Server.
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Library data folder: Enter or Browse the location of the default Library Data Folder. This will be the location of Teamwork Libraries on this BIMcloud Server.
Click Next to go to the next configuration page.
Page 2: Public Key
The BIMcloud Server needs a BIMcloud Manager to operate. If the computer already has a BIMcloud Manager installed, then the Pairing process will be automatic, and you do not have to do it manually. This screen displays (automatically filled out in the field) the Public Key of the BIMcloud Manager. Click Start BIMcloud Server to complete the install process.
If the computer does not have a BIMcloud Manager installed, then you will have to manually pair the BIMcloud Manager and the BIMcloud Server.
See Pair BIMcloud Server.
BIMcloud Delta Cache
Note: In BIMcloud 18, this component was called BIMcloud Proxy. Its new name is BIMcloud Delta Cache.
The BIMcloud Delta Cache configuration process takes place after you install a new BIMcloud Delta Cache. Use this process to define basic properties of how the BIMcloud Delta Cache works. Later, you can change BIMcloud Delta Cache settings using the Reconfigure Delta Cache shortcut.
On this page, enter the following parameters:
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Cache folder: The BIMcloud Delta Cache will store temporarily cached data in this folder. Enter its path or click Browse.
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Maximum Cache Size: Enter the maximum size for the cached data. The more space you allocate, the more effectively the BIMcloud Delta Cache will operate.
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Port: Select a free port or use the “Pick free port” command to automatically find one.
Click Start BIMcloud Delta Cache to complete the operation.
Enter the BIMcloud Delta Cache’s address in ArchiCAD to start using the BIMcloud Delta Cache.
Uninstall
Each BIMcloud component can be uninstalled independently. However, if you uninstall the BIMcloud Manager, then you will not be able to work on any of the previously connected BIMcloud Servers unless you reconnect them to a different BIMcloud Manager. To uninstall a BIMcloud component, you can use the Uninstall shortcut located in the component’s install folder. Double-click this shortcut to begin the uninstall process. To uninstall a BIMcloud Component from a PC, it is best to use the “Add or Remove Programs” or “Programs and Features” utility, accessible from the Control Panel.
Protection Keys
Using Hardware License Keys
After installing BIMcloud Manager, you should first restart your computer before setting up the protection keys.
The GRAPHISOFT BIMcloud Solution requires three hardware protection keys:
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BIMcloud license
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BIMcloud Server License(s)
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Client Access License(s)
These hardware keys must be accessible by the BIMcloud Manager. To ensure this, use one of the following methods:
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Connect the keys to the BIMcloud Manager computer’s USB port.
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Connect them to a different computer and install a CodeMeter Server on it, which will provide access to the licenses for the BIMcloud Manager computer.
Note: This CodeMeter Server can be the same one already used by the other GRAPHISOFT products in the office.
Using CodeMeter Server
System Requirements for a CodeMeter Server
The CodeMeter server is part of the CodeMeter driver, so you only need to select a computer on your network that will act as a CodeMeter server. To set up a CodeMeter server as a network license server, you will need the following:
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A computer with network connection (should be running during work hours).
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The computer must have at least three free USB ports.
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CodeMeter driver must be installed. Click on Tools and Utilities from the start-up screen, or browse your DVD directory for the CODEMETER folder.
Note: There is no need for a server-level operating system for the CodeMeter server. You can use one of the workstations as a CodeMeter server; you must keep it running during work hours.
Set Up the Server
After you have your server running and the CodeMeter driver is installed, start the server as described below:
All CodeMeter settings can be managed in CodeMeter WebAdmin. To start it: Open CodeMeter Center (from Applications or using the Start menu) and click on WebAdmin or simply open localhost:22350 on your browser.
To enable the CodeMeter server:
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Go to Configuration/Network tab.
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Check Run Network Server checkbox.
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Do not forget to Apply the changes.
From that point, the server runs and shares licenses on the local network.
Client Side Settings
All clients on the local network should find the server automatically. In case this does not work (e.g. your server is in a different subnet, or you are connecting remotely through the Internet), then you may need to specify the server’s hostname IP address. On the client:
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Open WebAdmin.
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Configuration/Network.
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Add the server to the Server Search List.
This field can have multiple entries; the client searches for available licenses in the specified order and only on the specified servers. Only when the list is empty does the client search for other available servers.
Access Control
With the default settings, all computers on the same local network (same subnet) can use a license from the server.
To restrict access:
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Open WebAdmin.
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Go to Configuration/Access Control.
If the Clients’ list is empty, anyone on the local network can use a license. If at least one entry is listed here, only the listed entries can request a license.
Note: If the server is public on the Internet, or no one is allowed to use a license, make sure that this list is filled out correctly to avoid unwanted license usage.
You may want to check who is using a license:
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Open WebAdmin on the server computer.
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Go to Server/User tab.
Here you can see a list of active clients and clients who have borrowed licenses.
Programming the Hardware License Keys
CodeMeter hardware protection keys for GRAPHISOFT BIMcloud Solution can be remotely programmed via
http://www.graphisoft.com/downloads/licensing.
If you have recently purchased the GRAPHISOFT BIMcloud Solution, you will receive two empty metal CodeMeter keys that you must “load” through the licensing site.
BIMcloud Licensing
The GRAPHISOFT BIMcloud Solution requires 3 different licenses:
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BIMcloud license
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BIMcloud Server license(s)
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Client Access License(s) (CAL)
Note: The license for the BIMcloud Delta Cache is included in the BIMcloud Server license, which allows the installation of the BIMcloud Delta Cache in unlimited instances.
The BIMcloud Manager component handles all license management tasks centrally. No other BIMcloud components require access to the BIMcloud license protection key. (Of course, ArchiCADs still need access to the ArchiCAD protection keys.)
To view detailed information about the currently available/used licenses, open the BIMcloud Manager and navigate to the Servers > BIMcloud Manager > Licenses panel.
BIMcloud License
This is the main license for the GRAPHISOFT BIMcloud Solution, and is reserved by the BIMcloud Manager. If this license is missing, then all projects on the BIMcloud will be offline.
BIMcloud Server License
Each paired BIMcloud Server requires its own BIMcloud Server license, which is reserved through the BIMcloud Manager during the pairing process, and remains in use until the BIMcloud Server is disconnected. If a BIMcloud Server license is missing, then all projects hosted by that particular BIMcloud Server will be offline.
Client Access License (CAL)
Each user joining a project on the BIMcloud needs a CAL license. A single reserved CAL license allows the user to join any number of projects on the same BIMcloud.
If a user works on multiple projects that are located on more than one BIMcloud, then each BIMcloud will reserve an additional CAL license for that user.
The BIMcloud Manager can be used without reserving a CAL license.
If the user’s CAL license is missing, then the user will be forced offline.
There are two different CAL license types available for a BIMcloud:
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Named
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Floating
A BIMcloud Solution can accommodate only one of the above CAL license types. (It is not possible to mix Named and Floating CAL licenses on the BIMcloud Manager.)
Named CAL Licenses
Named CAL licenses must be assigned to users in advance. If a Named CAL license is not assigned to anyone, then the BIMcloud Manager will not use it.
The BIMcloud Manager reserves a named CAL license at the moment it is assigned to the user, and the license remains reserved indefinitely (until the license is revoked from the user). This way, the owner of a Named CAL license is always able to join a project on the BIMcloud.
To assign a CAL license to the user, open the User settings panel in the BIMcloud Manager application and push the Assign CAL license button. Revoke the license same way, with the Revoke CAL license button.
Note: You must have the Manage Licenses permission to access and use these commands.
See Granting Access.
Floating CAL Licenses
Floating CAL licenses are very similar to the Named CAL licenses, but with one significant difference: as long as a Floating CAL license is not assigned to a user, it is available for anyone on demand.
A Floating CAL license reserved on demand remains reserved until the user leaves his/her last project on the BIMcloud.
Note: A user leaves a project, using the Teamwork > Project > Leave Teamwork Project command, when he/she no longer participates in it. In contrast, the File > Close command merely closes the project on the computer without losing any reservations; such a user remains joined in to the project on the BIMcloud.
Users without an assigned CAL license are able to join the projects only if there is a free Floating CAL license available.