Skip to content

Who it's for / Designers and engineers

For designers and engineers whose software only runs on Windows.

Design and engineering software is where Windows dependence bites hardest, and also where the limits are real. Some programs stream well, some need a stronger machine and a few will not work remotely at all. We would rather you know which before you rely on it.

A familiar scene

A supplier sends a model for review. It opens only in a Windows-based engineering tool. You use a Mac, and the review is due tomorrow.

For a quick look and a few measurements, a streamed window onto the program is enough. For hours of detailed modelling, you want to be honest with yourself about your connection and the machine behind it.

Imagined, but familiar. Not a customer story.

What changes for you.

Open and review files you cannot open today

Look at, measure and comment on files from suppliers and clients without a PC on your desk.

Choose the right size of machine

Light programs run on a modest machine. Heavy ones may need a stronger one. Know which you have.

Keep one copy of the work

Models and drawings stay on the far machine, not scattered over your devices.

Work from a lighter device

A laptop or tablet is enough, because the program is not running on it.

How to try it.

  1. 1.

    Be honest about the graphics

    If your program leans on a powerful graphics card, plan to test it as a full desktop.

  2. 2.

    Test on your real connection

    Run the connection test at the time of day you will work, and try a real file.

  3. 3.

    Start with review work

    Reviewing and measuring suits remote use best. Move to heavier modelling once you trust the setup.

Things to be honest about

We would rather you hear these from us first.

  • Heavy 3D and rendering, which can render poorly or need a more powerful machine.
  • Pen and precision input, where small delays stand out.
  • Hardware keys and licence dongles, which do not travel to a remote machine.
  • Large files. Keep them on the far machine and avoid moving them back and forth.

Questions people ask.

Will my CAD program work?

It depends on the program and how demanding your work is. Review and light editing often work. Heavy 3D may need a stronger machine, and we say so honestly.

Does it work with a pen tablet?

Small delays can show with drawing, so test with your own setup before relying on it.

Can I move large files easily?

It is better to keep them on the far machine and work there than to move them back and forth.

The quickest answer is to try your own program.