Groove 2007 CAD (AutoC) file Sync issues - makes a copy for every

[cmgroove]

Having serious sync issuses with sharing of CAD files using a Shared Folder -
not a Files Tool.
Whar happens is a conflict copy is made on every single save from every
single user. The directory in now s mess with hundreds of files that look
like ...'Plan-5(Marks copy)(Marks copy)(Marks copy)(Marks copy)'.

We're using AutoCAD.

Is this a versioning problem?
No Xref paths in these files but they are xrefed by other drawings.

Anyone know the tricks with AutoCAD & Groove?

Thanks
CM

 

[Ashok Hingorani]

nopes, not a versioning prob
but the way groove works
specially is users are offline,
or multiple people open the same file at once
nothing in groove resolves the versions
must do so manually
that is why i wrote Gxcel for Excel Books
maybe i should do something simplar for AutoCad

rgds

ashok

 

[cmgroove]

Thanks for the response Ashok.
Yes - We have concluded that using Groove to share and edit CAD files is
simply not possible.

Here's why:

1.
Usage:
Using a Groove Shared Folder to share and edit CAD files.

Result:
Multiple Renamed copies of the same file for EVERY save of EVERY user of
EVER file- No edits are synced into the same file.
Disastorous - hundreds of false files per hour.
Happens - every time - every when the files are being edited by one user at
a time.

Probable reason:
I think AutoCAD is adding some sort of metadata to the file - like "last
edit time" or "last user". Thus as far as Groove is concerned, it is a
different file. It therefore renames and sends.

Conclusion:
AEC (Architects/Eng/Interior/Contractors) profesionals cannot use a Groove
Shared folder to share CAD files - won't work.

2.
Usage:
Using a Files Tool in a Groove Workspace

Result:
Files can be edited and shared sucessfully - but 'Xrefs' (absolute or
realative) (these are externaly referenced CAD files - similar to 'includes')
can not be used.
The referenced files are not found.

Seeing that 99% of AEC (architectural) projects must use 'xrefs' in there
CAD files - using the Files tool is also not feasible for CAD file sharing.

Probable reason:
Groove File Tool holds shares files in a location that is in conflict with
the path info (absolute or realative) that the CAD file has. Realtive paths
DO NOT change this - as these files are encrypted/renamed - I believe.

Conclusion:
AEC (Architects/Eng/Interior/Contractors) profesionals cannot use a Groove
File tool to share CAD files - won't work.

Overall Conclusion:
Grooves colob features are great - but currently - sharing of editable CAD
files should be done with some alternate technology - like vpn.

Fixing the Shared Folder crashes is the only realistic answer.
Perhaps by getting AutoCAD to not add the metadata?

How did you handle this with your Excel app?

thanks