CDE Sync™ + Network Servers.

Overview:

Many project teams and asset owners still rely on an on-premises network server – a local file share, NAS, or mapped network drive – to store models, documents and project data, particularly where connectivity, data sovereignty, or security classification rules out a fully cloud-hosted CDE.

CDE Sync™ connects your network server to every other CDE platform your project uses, so a file approved or updated on the server is automatically reflected across your connected CDEs, and vice versa – without anyone manually copying, renaming or re-tagging files between systems.

For organisations retiring a network server entirely – moving from local file storage to a cloud CDE for good – CDE Migrate™ handles the one-time transition, preserving folder structure, version history, metadata and audit trails.

Who it's For:

IT Teams, Document Controllers, Information Managers, Digital Engineering Teams, and Project Managers running a network file server alongside a cloud-based CDE.

Key Capabilities

• Synchronises files, folder structures and metadata between your network server and any connected CDE

• Maintains version history integrity as files move between local storage and cloud platforms

• Auto-maps folder structures and file metadata – naming conventions, revision codes, classification – to the target platform's schema

• Supports on-premises, VPN-connected and hybrid network environments, including air-gapped and classified network configurations

• Well suited to archiving, backup, cold storage and disaster recovery scenarios outside the primary CDE

• Pairs with Issues Sync™ for cross-platform issue tracking where the network server holds supporting documentation

How It Connects:

CDE Sync™ connects to your network server through a lightweight, secure Sync Agent installed within your organisation's network. The Agent uses an outbound-only HTTPS connection to Microsoft Azure – no inbound firewall rules, VPN exposure, or public endpoints are required – configured through CDE Sync™'s no-code wizard, using a dedicated service account with read and/or write access scoped to the folders in sync.

This outbound-only model is designed for organisations that cannot expose a network server to the public internet, including SOCI Act-regulated critical infrastructure projects across rail, energy, water and defence.

Also syncs with:

Autodesk Forma (BIM360/ACC), Bentley ProjectWise, Microsoft SharePoint, Procore, Oracle Aconex, 12d Synergy, Asite, InEight, Trimble, Bluebeam, Egnyte, Dalux, RIB, Network Servers, and Azure Blob.

Security:

Built on Microsoft Azure and hosted in your choice of data region to meet residency and sovereignty requirements, see our Global Data Regions map. SOC 2 Type II certified, full detail on our Security & Trust Portal.

• SOC 2 Type II certified

• Cyber Essentials certified

• Zero file persistence – data streams between your network server and the target CDE, and is never stored or cached

• Outbound-only connection from your network, minimising attack surface for classified and on-premises environments

• Full audit logging of every file and metadata change for traceability and compliance

FAQs:

Can a network server be a primary CDE endpoint?

> Yes. A network server can act as a primary source or destination for a sync, or as a secondary archive and backup location alongside your main CDE – whichever fits how your project uses it.

Does our network server need a public IP address or open inbound ports?

> No. The Sync Agent initiates an outbound-only HTTPS connection from within your network, so no inbound firewall rules or public exposure are required.

Is bidirectional sync supported?

> Yes. Files and metadata can sync in either direction between your network server and any connected CDE, depending on how the sync is configured.

Can CDE Sync™ be used with air-gapped or classified networks?

> The outbound-only Sync Agent model is designed to fit high-security and classified network environments, including SOCI Act-regulated critical infrastructure projects. Speak with our team about your specific network architecture.

What if we want to retire our network server completely?

> CDE Migrate™ provides a one-time migration from your network server to a cloud CDE, preserving folder structure, version history, metadata and audit trails.