Two links - in my discussion this morning with our DM ICE guy (Data Management Implementation Certified Expert) in the office, he told me about two very good white papers on Vault. I’ve looked them over, and they can really assist you in your implementation of the program.

The first is Advanced Configuration Guide for Autodesk Data Management Server. As the title implies, it’s an Advanced Configuration Guide, so it may be over your head if you’re just diving into this pool. It does offer some very good information, though.

The second is link tells you all about installing SQL Express - very important if you’re concerned with the “limitations” (or perceived limitations) of MSDE that ships with Civil 3D. You can find it here.

OK, I’ve got two more links - I like to give and give, so enjoy….

Best Practices for Implementing Autodesk Vault

And, Autodesk Vault: White Papers.

Please note that most (if not all) of these links reference Autodesk Inventor. Vault was designed to work with Inventor, and was recently adopted to work with Civil 3D. Rest assured, however, that most of the same principles still apply here - and, as it says in the Best Practices for Implementing Autodesk Vault, this is a very intricate program to attempt to implement, so it would be better for you if you contact someone (your reseller, or a consultant) who is qualified to help with this process.

OK, I try not to copy what the other industry gurus are posting - if we all post the same thing, then why would you want to visit all our sites?
So I’m not going to do that today. However, I do want to point you to James Wedding’s blog, because he has some really good things to say about Vault. Call it a “Best Management Practices” for Vault.

He and I talked about some of his thoughts regarding Vault yesterday. Of course, I can’t argue with him, since I haven’t done a major install like he has. And boy, has he done a major install. Wow, the problems he’s had - I’ve talked with him and his customer, and they deserve a medal for what they went through (both of ‘em!) I asked him a few questions - actually, very few, because I was able to answer most of my questions as I typed them, and realized that he’s right. Even playing Devil’s Advocate, I wasn’t able to get one around him.

He also talks about FUD. What’s FUD? No, not the guy hunting wabbits on my kid’s TV. FUD stands for Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. It’s what we feel when we embrace new technology, especially if we don’t take the time to really research it fully. I’ve been seeing a ton of FUD in the past few weeks since Civil 3D 2007 came out. Yes, it’s a new way of working and thinking, but I think it’s a truly good way of working and thinking. If we get rid of the FUD, forget everything we know, and get to working with the program, then the light will dawn and we’ll all realize that we’ve got one helluva tool here to work with.