Setting up a BIMcloud Basic server

Description

When working with BIMcloud Basic, you want to prepare a reliable server environment that supports one specific Archicad version and ensures stable Teamwork collaboration for your office.

You are looking for practical guidance on how to choose suitable hardware, install the components with default settings, configure network access, and set up users and projects so that projects and users appear correctly in the BIMcloud Basic Manager web interface.

Instructions

Find below some guidance on how to set up BIMcloud Basic for use with Archicad.

Important: BIMcloud Basic supports only a single Archicad version and requires ongoing server maintenance, including regular backups and software updates.

Recommended setup best practices

• Use a dedicated host computer for BIMcloud Basic (avoid running additional applications).
• Install BIMcloud Basic with default options.
• Consider using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and an automated shutdown script to prevent data corruption during power outages.

• Configure daily/weekly backups of the BIMcloud Basic application folder or create snapshots. Use scripts to temporarily stop and restart BIMcloud Basic during backup operations.

   

Setup process

System Preparation

1. Confirm the server meets the required specifications: supported operating system, 64-bit processor, sufficient RAM, and disk space. 

   Recommended Hardware for BIMcloud Basic

2. Review the official System Requirements for BIMcloud Basic.
3. Prepare a fixed local IP address or domain name for reliable project access.

Installation

1. Download the latest BIMcloud installer and run it on the server.
2. Follow the Clean Installation Guide to install both the BIMcloud Server and BIMcloud Manager components.

Initial Configuration

1. Access BIMcloud Manager through a web browser (default: http://localhost:PORT).
2. Create the master administrator account and set up a password.
3. During setup, select BIMcloud Basic and specify the Archicad version to support (only one version can be used per BIMcloud Basic instance).
4. Configure data locations and (optionally) an email server for notifications.

Activation

1. Activate BIMcloud Basic using any company Graphisoft ID.
2. Activation only needs to be done once; it does not affect future administrative permissions.

Networking

1. Ensure that necessary ports are open on firewalls and routers for BIMcloud Manager and Server.

2. For external collaboration, set up port forwarding and use a static public IP or domain name.

   Network Requirements.

User and Project Management

1. Log in to the BIMcloud Manager web interface and add users, define their roles, and set up new projects.
2. For step-by-step instructions, see Manage Users on BIMcloud. 

When setting up a BIMcloud Basic server on macOS, projects and users might appear missing. To resolve it:

1. From the system tray icon, select Disable All to disable BIMcloud Basic.
2. Resolve duplicate mount point issues as they may prevent BIMcloud Basic from listing projects or users.

3. Re-enable the application from the system tray icon, and check if projects and users appear in the manager interface.