Why do we not require a CAD client?

In the 1990s, data centre plans, IT rooms, cabling, etc. were documented using graphics programs such as AutoCAD. Because drawings can considerably simplify many aspects of infrastructure, these were also integrated into AixBOMS. Via the CAD interface, attributes of an AixBOMS object were assigned to the respective graphic element, so that special properties could be displayed in the drawing.

 

Just like AixBOMS, graphics programs have also evolved. Object-oriented processing has become standard. As a consequence, it is no longer necessary to differentiate between graphical IT elements and AixBOMS objects. The key advantage is the authenticity of the representation, which is calculated 1:1 from the current database values and is also stable in terms of development. Parallel maintenance of the CAD interface for extensive changes in the AixBOMS suite or graphics software is no longer necessary. Independence from CAD programs gives us scope for integrating innovative tools and features. Our customers also benefit from the elimination of additional licensing and training costs, as we use the Eclipse-based open-source project GMF (Graphical Modeling Framework) and integrate it seamlessly into AixBOMS.

 

GMF provides the tools and foundations for the development of our prominent graphics editors. All representations of dependency relationships, structures, floor plans, etc., are based on GMF. Many can be edited directly from the application via AixBOMS functions.

 

As the diagrams are automatically generated and updated from the CMDB entries (and vice versa), they are available to you virtually in real time. Manual updates, as were previously required, are no longer necessary, yet you can still rely 100%ig on all views being up to date. With GMF, we have a huge advantage over the competition: we have integrated CMDB management and visualisation on a one-to-one basis. Time-consuming, manual graphical work is virtually unnecessary, and user-friendly, graphics-supported management and control operations allow day-to-day business to be carried out as realistically as possible.

 

If you also want to benefit from these advantages but are daunted by the effort involved in migrating your existing AutoCAD plans to AixBOMS, we can offer you an automated solution that we have already successfully implemented for a major client.