Autodesk Vault now works with Microsoft SharePoint 2010

The combination of Autodesk's data management software and Microsoft's collaboration platform is also claimed to simplify business intelligence, content management, and search and sharing functions for intranet and Internet sites. However, forÇaglayan Arkan, general manager, worldwide manufacturing and resources sector at Microsoft, the main point is the connection between design teams and the extended enterprise. "Autodesk Vault works with SharePoint 2010 to help enterprises be more productive and profitable by facilitating sharing of and access to information throughout the lifecycle of any project," says Arkan. He makes the point that on any design project, hundreds of people may be using dozens of applications to create thousands of models and drawings. Howeverr, there will also be a mass of non-design information, such as contracts, bid documents, photographs and emails – and hence the value of sharing and managing engineering and design data through the familiar Microsoft SharePoint 2010 workflows. "Vault provides the world's designers, architects, engineers, builders and manufacturers with a complete view of their information, while enabling access across the entire organisation," comments Arkan. And he explains that the solution takes advantage of functionality provided in SharePoint 2010 and Autodesk Vault 2012, giving SharePoint 2010 users direct access to engineering and design data inside Vault, including search and navigation, and the ability to view and print design data. "More than ever, clear communication and easy access to accurate data are the keys to success for any business," comments Steven Bodnar, vice president of data management at Autodesk. "Competitive enterprises need to collaborate beyond their boundaries in order to strengthen their relationships and cooperation with their customers, partners and vendors. This is especially true for design and manufacturing organizations working with globally distributed teams," he insists.