This is an interesting question. In the MCAD space, two new cloud-based applications have emerged that have cost quite a bit to develop and launch. These applications were intended to be alternatives to Dassault Systèmes' Solidworks, which was designed for local use on Windows.
But both apps have failed to displace the market leader. The first, Onshape, created by Solidworks founder Jon Hirschtick, was sold to PTC in 2019 for $470 million, thus joining the ranks of PTC desktop apps. Another contender is the aforementioned Autodesk Fusion. It is still in development, but continues to play second fiddle to the desktop Autodesk Inventor.
Of course, both contenders lacked some feature set, especially when competing in an established market with many power users. The flexibility that the cloud offers has yet to surpass the feature richness of many desktop applications.
In my view, MCAD software is different from AEC software, and it’s possible that MCAD’s problems won’t hinder the ambitions of cloud developers in this space. However, it will likely take much longer for new cloud applications to displace desktop BIM tools. Companies like Graphisoft are re-architecting their software to operate in a hybrid mode, where data is stored and processed either online or locally on your PC. But the deciding factor in the transition to cloud services may ultimately be a simple generational shift and an influx of young professionals.
For example, I am not attracted to the possibility of renting a remote computer when I have an excellent working computer in front of me. And one that does not require payment for access and various operations.
From files to databases
One consequence of the move to cloud computing is a change in data structure. File-based workflows were quite common. But files are prone to loss, corruption, and duplication.