Running Autodesk® Revit® in Virtual Machines

Running Autodesk® Revit® in Virtual Machines

AB300 - 2P Learn to take full advantage of multi-core environments! There are numerous
advantages to running Revit inside virtual machines. Imagine being able to render, create a
family component, and Save to Central -- all at the same time. A multi-core processor is like
having multiple computers in one PC. Learn how to take advantage of them all!

About the Speakers:

Phil Read
phil.read@autodesk.com

Phil is an implementation architect with Autodesk Revit and works directly with firms in training,
project implementation, and establishing best practices. He has more than 13 years combined
experience in engineering and architecture. This hands-on, in-house approach helps maintain
focus while jump-starting both the project team and project amid shifting architectural dynamics.
Phil holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Communications and Architecture, as well as a Master
of Architecture degree from the University of North Carolina.

Peter Streibig
pstreibig@bcj.com

With over 10 years experience in architecture, Peter manages and coordinates information and
communication technology for Bohlin Cywinski Jackson: the firm behind such notable projects
as the Pacific Rim Estate near Seattle, the Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, CA and a
series of high profile stores for Apple Inc. around the world. His role is particularly challenging:
incorporating emerging technologies in a high-profile, high-design firm. And he also understands
the need to keep the emphasis on Architecture while maintaining a stable, approachable and
sophisticated (as well as mixed platform) computing environment. Peter holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

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Preface
Disclaimer: While running Autodesk software does not violate the terms of licensing, the
following herein described workflow is not officially supported. However glowingly discussed at
AU2007 and in the AUGI forums, I repeat:

At present, Autodesk does not officially support running Revit in Virtualization.

Introduction – What is Virtualization?

Virtualization was pioneered over 40 years ago by IBM in order distribute costly mainframe
resources and run multiple applications simultaneously.1 As the cost of distributed computing
decreased, Virtualization was no longer necessary. Advances in Personal Computers (or PC)
gave end users the ability to run both the operating system and applications locally - on their
personal computer. Computing resources were becoming more and more centralized.

Now Virtualization is making a comeback. Old principles are being applied within the realm of
Personal Computing. While faster, multi-core CPUs only allow more than multiple applications
to run simultaneously and faster - Virtualization allows multiple operating systems to run
concurrently on the same computer. When a Virtual Machine (or VM) operates, it is "virtualizing"
the physical hardware resources on your computer which are required by an operating system.
And within those virtualized operating systems, multiple applications are able to operate.

In order to operate a Virtual Machine, you must have appropriate Host and Guest computers.
The Host computer is the actual physical machine along with its OS (Operating System).
Virtualizing applications are installed on the Host OS much like any familiar application.
Standard x86 hardware and Intel or AMD architecture may host Virtual Machines. This means
that the host OS does not have to be the same as the Guest OS. For example, OS X (Apple),
Linux and Microsoft operating systems may all function as the Host OS. A Host computer may
be capable of supporting multiple Guest VMs, and if the Host has enough computing resources
(processor cores, memory, etc) may even be capable of operating multiple Guests machines
simultaneously.

The Guest computer is the Virtual Machine. The VM contains both the virtual Operating System
and Applications as a single file. The Guest may reside on the same hard drive as the host

1
http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/virtualization/view/100207.html

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machine. Or the guest machine may be stored (as well as backed up) on another hard drive, or
even external, portable media. Each Virtual Machine exists as a separate, virtual disk image.
Files on the Host machine may be accessed by either the Host or Guest Machine. For example,
a Microsoft Word document residing on a Host running OS X may be accessed, opened and
saved by the Guest running Microsoft XP and Microsoft Office. As a result, the files which you
need to access with a VM need not reside “inside” the VM. They may reside on the Host
machine or in a location that can be accessed by either the Host or the Guest – such as a LAN
or WAN network drive.

Why Virtualize?
There are numerous advantages for IT / Support staff for allowing users to run Virtual Machines:
• Roll out of approved disk images containing both OS and Applications is greatly
simplified.
• Installing Operating Systems in Virtual Machines take far less time.
• Pre-built images of VMs make installation and upgrades easier.
• The entire OS and all required application may be quickly restored; duplicates of a VM
can replace a corrupted drive image in seconds – rather than hours or days.
• Legacy operating systems and applications can be kept current without having to worry
about maintaining or replacing aging equipment.
• Support staff can host every client image directly on one machine to help work through
problems clients encounter.
• Software, updates, patches and their interaction with the rest of your software and
operating system may be tested first in virtualization without the risk of impacting the
Host system.
• Infrastructure cost and quantity of servers, their support and electrical requirements are
consolidated and therefore reduced.
• VMs allow for virus containment and corruption of the VM without risking the Host
machine or other VMs.

There are also numerous, compelling advantages for the End Users running Virtual Machines:
• Computing resources may be easily allocated to the guest OS and applications
depending on the requirements and use of the VM. Less intensive applications won’t
compete with applications which require more resources.

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• Customized VMs and applications can be created for individual users.

• Users may operate multiple VM simultaneously, taking full advantage of multi-core
computing resources. Network licensing of operating systems and applications allows
users to run multiple operating systems and applications at the same time while being
fully compliant from a licensing standpoint.
• If an application or OS within a VM crashes, the Host OS and remaining VMs are
isolated and typically not affected. Users simply restart the VM and application.
• When running processor and memory intensive applications and processes, users can
quickly select another VM and continue work on another application and process –
avoiding the dreaded “white screen of death” that occurs when one application is reticent
to release computing resources for other applications.

How to Virtualize
Host machines may run OS X, Linux or Windows. At present there are two highly competitive
virtualization solutions available for the end user1. Each allows for a 30 day trial:

VMWare (www.vmware.com)
• Windows / Linux solution: VMWare Workstation
• OS X solution: VMWare Fusion
Parallels (www.parallels.com)
• Windows / Linux solution: Parallels Workstation
• OS X solution: Parallels Desktop 3.0

Virtual machines may be created in either one of two ways:

1. Install the Guest OS within a VM and subsequently install and license any
applications as you would on your personal computer.
2. Migrate or convert a Physical Machine into a Virtual Machine.
• VMWare: VMWare Converter
• Parallels: Parallels Transporter

1
Note: Unlike VMWare or Parallels, Microsoft Virtual PC does not currently run on Intel based Macs:
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/virtualpc/highlights.aspx

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Hardware Setting / Requirements

The speed of your VM and the number of VMs which may be concurrently run depend on the
physical resources of the Host machine. 32 bit and 64 bit Host and Guest machines are
supported.

Supported Host Operating Systems1:

Mac:
• Parallels: http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/sr/
• VMWare: http://vmware.com/products/fusion/system_requirements.html
Windows / Linux:
• Parallels: http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/os/
• VMWare: http://www.vmware.com/products/ws/new.html
Processor: For best results use dual-core, high-end processor which are workstation / server
grade such as dual and quad-core Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron CPUs.
• Portable: Dual Core / Core 2 Duo
• Workstation: Two Dual Core or Quad Core Processors
RAM: Although processor allocation is important it seems that RAM is key, particularly if
multiple VMs are to be run concurrently.
• Recommend minimum of 1gb per Host
• Recommend minimum of 1gb per each Guest VM
Hard Drives: Fast access is better, so select 7200rpm and faster drives and avoid slower
5400rpm drives. Bear in mind that each needs VM to occupy the space of the OS and
Applications – no different than the space required on a PC of the OS and applications. Some
users have reported performance gains from placing the Host OS on one drive and the VMs on
a separate HD.
Video Card: More critical for performance from Host rather than the Guest machines.
Networking: Gigabit connections. By default, the VM shares the network of the Host OS. If
necessary it is possible to create a separate NIC for the Guest OS. This is useful for high traffic
conditions or maintaining a static IP for the Guest OS. However, standard shared networking
works well.

1
Too numerous to mention within this document

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OS Licensing: Volume OEM pricing has advantages for both Host and Guest machines in a
networked environment (note: Windows purchased to run on a new Macintosh qualifies for OEM
volume pricing).
Application Licensing: Each application within a VM requires a license. A network license will
be activated for each VM session when the application within the VM is opened.1
Windows Domains: When building images of VMs for distribution within the same network it’s
very important to keep the build images out of the domain. After changing the computer name
on the user’s workstation the VM may be added to the domain.
Feature Set Matrix:2

Integrate Windows

Bootcamp Support

Physical to Virtual

Open GL Support

Smart Selection
DirectX Support
Power Manager
Multi-Processor

File Integration
Max RAM (gb)
64 bit Support

Multi-Display

VN Explorer
Snapshot
USB 2.0

VMWare 2

Parallels 8

Duplicate VMs: Once the initial VM is created, creating copies (for backing up or running
another VM at the same time) is straightforward. What is critically important is that you need
to make certain the new VM has unique, per-machine values on the network, such as Mac
addresses, machine SID values, etc.

1
Note: There are known issues which stem from activating / opening a Bootcamp partition from a
virtualizing solution. This results in a request to reactivate licensing of the OS and other applications.
While you may access files from within the Bootcamp partition, it’s not recommended that you open the
partition in virtualization.
2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_VMware_Fusion_and_Parallels_Desktop

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Benchmarks1

1
This journal file and instructions will be made available in AUGI forums at the end of AU2007. Please feel
free to post the hardware type tested (workstation/laptop), hardware configuration and results. Thanks!

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Bohlin Cywinski Jackson:

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, founded in 1965, has offices in Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia,
Seattle and San Francisco. The firm’s work is known for exceptional design, for its commitment
to the particularity of place and user, and for an extraordinary aesthetic based on a quiet rigor
that is both intellectual and intuitive.

The firm’s principals and staff of one hundred seventy-five practice architecture and offer a
broad range of related services. Their breadth and depth of skills and experience enable the
practice to address a wide range of challenges—difficult sites, demanding budgets and time
constraints, unusual technological requirements and the integration of new construction with
existing buildings and contexts. The firm responds to the particular circumstances of each
situation, alive to the subtleties of place—man-made or natural, to the varied natures of client
and user, to the character of institutions, and to the means of construction.

We are noted for exceptional and humane design ranging from modest houses and recreational
facilities to larger academic, research, civic and corporate buildings. Our problem-solving
approach emphasizes thorough research and analysis of each project’s unique human,
technical and economic circumstances. We believe the best design comes from an alert and
balanced response to the particular circumstances inherent in each situation. In an essay about
our firm’s work, Gold Medal winning architect Joseph Esherick comments, “what is remarkable
is the degree to which Bohlin Cywinski Jackson achieve the highest possible technical
standards of construction, of energy management, of sophisticated program requirements, and
still preserve such freshness and openness.”

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson has received more than 350 regional, national and international
awards for design including the Architecture Firm Award of the American Institute of
Architects—the highest honor bestowed upon an architectural practice by the Institute.

Technology History (Hardware / Software)

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson has always been a Macintosh shop. Longtime MicroStation user first
on the Macintosh, BCJ then transitioned to the Windows platform for their CAD workstations
starting with v7 of MicroStation. Apple's switch to the Intel platform provided the opportunity to
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safely return to the Macintosh, with the options to run Windows whether virtualized with
Parallels or VMWare Fusion or booted directly using Apple's Bootcamp.

Present Direction (Hardware / Software)

The current price advantage, flexibility, build quality and subsequent ease of maintenance make
Apple products an easy choice.
Why Revit
When looking to make the move to BIM, BCJ investigated many of the products available.
Revit simply proved the most developed solution available. The depth of resources available
in the Revit community, and the number of colleagues, consultants and collaborators using
Revit made the choice easy.
Why Parallels
Parallels provides a simple, easy to maintain virtual environment. Being the first to market,
Parallels created a stable product that performs well under the unique requirements of today's
CAD applications.
Hardware Configurations
• Workstations: Mac Pro / 2.6ghz 2xDual Core Xeons / 4gb RAM / Parallels 3.0
• Laptops: MacBook Pro / 2.4ghz / Core Two Duo / 4gb Ram / Parallels 3.0

Experience / Best Practices / Lessons Learned

Overall, our employees have a brief accommodation period, learning how the two systems
interact, and how to best employ the tools at their command. The isolation of Windows and
Revit from their other primary tasks, running in the Mac environment proves its worth when
Windows crashes and/or has problems booting. We keep an exact copy of their virtual machine
on hand for just such a case. If a VM becomes suspect or corrupt users simply rename both
images (the original and the backup), thus swapping the backup for the original - and they are
off and running. This has proved invaluable during deadline periods - especially when working
late or on weekends when support from other staff might be limited or take a while to reach.

To further this protective layer we have added secondary hard drives to the users' machines to
host their virtual images. We then retain additional backup copies on the system drive in
anticipation of hard drive failure. In case of system or hardware failure, the user can simply
shutdown, take their virtual images on the second Apple drive sled and move it to another Mac

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Pro and slide it in place. They can then open their image by double clicking on it or choosing it
through Parallels. Total downtime is typically no more than 15 minutes.

As for best practices, I highly recommend discussing the experience regularly with the users,
suggesting potential tweaks to configuration, work flows and preferences. Sharing this
knowledge is the best way to get a smooth, consistent environment for all the users. Obviously
there are a number of options an administrator can set right at the start. Creating a master
image to roll out for the users can aid immensely in setup time. It also provides a great platform
for testing updates, upgrades new software and settings before impacting users' work. Some of
the issues I see from an administrative standpoint are:

1. Parallels Tools needs to be reinstalled on all updates and occasionally at random

maintenance intervals (possibly due to Windows updates).
2. Parallels Tools (like many other Windows based applications) require Windows
administrator level permissions to install properly. Usually this can be accomplished by
a "first-run" setup logged in as administrator, and then switching to the user's account.
3. Parallels updates require administrative password on the Macintosh end. The process
we typically use is the following:
• Schedule an hour with the user to shut down Parallels
• Make a backup copy, install the new version and upgrade the image.
• Re-install Parallels Tools. It’s a good idea to test the VM for a bit, changing any new
settings.
• Shut down and make another (new) backup copy.
• Restart and get back to work.

Updating takes a significant amount of preparation, since there are updates for two operating
systems involved, not to mention all the applications. The longest part of the update is spent
duplicating the drive images. The way I try to manage this best is to test all the updates myself
and then after a couple of weeks (and a fair number of waiting upgrades have amassed) I
schedule time with users to upgrade/update, taking the time to do so early in the morning or late
in the evening.

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Specific Hardware Settings (Parallels)

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Specific Hardware Settings (VMWare)

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Audience Questions

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