High-Performance Virtual Desktop for AEC Professionals at Low Cost

Azure Virtual Desktop, or AVD, is a cloud based desktop and application virtualization service from Microsoft that runs on Azure. In the AEC industry, it is used to deliver GPU optimized virtual desktops to architects, engineers, and designers who need to run resource heavy applications. AVD allows these professionals to access their full work environment from anywhere, on any device, while the heavy computing happens on Azure servers. It also supports multi user sessions, centralized management, and built in security, making it ideal for distributed AEC teams.

Intwo Cloud Workstation keeps costs low through automatic scaling. The system scales up computing resources when users need them during peak working hours and scales back down during off peak times when resources are not in use. This means you are only paying for what you actually consume instead of running expensive hardware around the clock. Intwo uses a combination of Azure Virtual Desktop scaling plans and custom PowerShell scripting to manage this automatically. AEC firms get the GPU power they need for demanding applications without overspending on compute that sits idle.

Yes, you absolutely can. Cloud workstations like Intwo’s are specifically built to handle GPU intensive applications such as AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, SolidWorks, and similar tools. The virtual desktops are powered by GPU optimized host pools in Azure, which provide the graphics processing power these applications require. Users experience performance that is comparable to, and in some cases better than, a traditional physical workstation. The difference is that everything runs in the cloud, so you can access your projects from a laptop, tablet, or thin client anywhere.

Autoscaling is a feature that automatically adjusts the number of active virtual machines in your Azure Virtual Desktop environment based on demand. During ramp up and peak hours, the system spins up additional resources so all users have the performance they need. During ramp down and off peak hours, it powers down unused machines to save costs. Intwo configures this using Azure scaling plans combined with custom PowerShell scripts, defining specific schedules for weekdays and weekends. The result is optimized compute spending without any manual intervention from your IT team.

A cloud workstation gives architects and engineers full access to their professional desktop environment from any location and any device with an internet connection. They can open complex 3D models, run simulations, and collaborate on projects just as they would in the office. All the data stays centralized in the cloud, so there is no need to transfer large files between machines. This setup was especially valuable during the COVID 19 pandemic and has remained popular because it offers flexibility without sacrificing the performance AEC professionals depend on daily.

Yes, cloud virtual desktops built on Azure Virtual Desktop benefit from Microsoft’s enterprise grade security infrastructure. Data is stored centrally in the cloud rather than on individual devices, which reduces the risk of data loss from stolen or damaged hardware. Azure provides built in encryption, identity management through Microsoft Entra ID, conditional access policies, and compliance with major industry standards. Intwo adds an additional layer of managed security and governance on top of that. For AEC firms handling sensitive building plans and client data, this setup is typically more secure than relying on individual physical workstations.

Intwo Cloud Workstation supports a wide range of CPU and GPU intensive applications commonly used in the AEC industry. This includes Autodesk products like AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and Navisworks, as well as other engineering tools like SolidWorks. It can also support BIM collaboration platforms, rendering software, and project management tools. Because the virtual desktops are GPU optimized, they handle 3D modeling, rendering, and large file processing without performance issues. If your team runs it on a physical workstation today, chances are it will run smoothly on Intwo Cloud Workstation as well.

Physical workstations require a large upfront investment, regular hardware upgrades, ongoing maintenance, and replacement cycles every few years. They also tie employees to a specific location. A virtual desktop solution shifts all of that to a predictable monthly cost with no hardware to manage. You get the same or better performance through cloud GPU resources, with the added benefit of access from anywhere. Scaling is also much easier. Need to onboard 20 new users for a project? You can spin up new desktops in minutes instead of ordering and configuring 20 new machines.

US CAD partnered with Intwo to deliver virtual training labs for BIM and CAD software applications across the United States. Since 2020, they have successfully run all their training and education programs through Intwo Cloud Workstation. The virtual labs gave trainees access to fully configured, high performance desktops with all the necessary software pre installed, regardless of their physical location. According to US CAD, the virtual training experience proved to be 80 percent more effective than their traditional on site training labs, while also being easier to scale and manage.