"Cloud3D℠ Services" uses secure Microsoft®-hosted servers "in the cloud" to facilitate easy, safe, and secure transfer of inspection reports to and from various devices using our Mobile Apps.
 
What does that mean? With a simple login on your computers and devices, you are able to upload and retrieve mobile inspection reports without complicated file transfer setups.

Q: What is cloud computing?

A: Cloud computing is Web-based processing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices (such as smart phones and tablets) on demand over the Internet. Cloud computing reduces the resources and know-how for small businesses and consumers, allowing them to take advantage of a larger infrastructure maintained by professional companies, essentially "renting" such usage from a reliable third-party provider. Thus consumers and businesses don't have to be responsible for the cost of setting up, owning, and maintaining the physical infrastructure required, but benefit by consuming resources as a service instead. Many cloud-computing offerings charge similar to traditional utility services (such as electricity), or on a monthly or yearly subscription basis for various levels of service.

You are likely already familiar with other cloud computing services or solutions that have become popular today. For example, many companies use online backup services, photo sharing and printing services, file sharing, and productivity tools. A simple login usually makes access to your online files or content easy.  You already use similar services with various apps on your phones and other devices.
  
  
Q: How do I turn Cloud3D℠ Services on?

A: Normally your report writer Preferences > Preferences, Cloud3D Services tab is already enabled for use in the desktop program.  You must then activate a Cloud3D℠ Services account with 3D Inspection Systems. Your unique account manages your private uploads and downloads. You'll find a link to our sign-up page below.

3D Inspection Systems will notify you when your Cloud3D℠  account is activated, after which you may immediately begin using.

Your Cloud3D℠ Services master User Name (Account ID)  and Password will be the same as you set during your initial activation of your 3D desktop software (be sure to keep your master login password confidential). However if you have multiple inspectors, for proper operation you MUST create additional logins for all Inspectors or employees using the mobile app, all of which function under your master account and Cloud3D℠ Services subscription. Your inspectors will simply log-in using their login you create for them to see, retrieve, or upload inspections you have assigned to them on their mobile devices. It's that easy. There's no complicated server or other settings to worry about.  And no extra cost for you to create or manage your sub-account logins for all your inspectors.


Q: What happens when I turn Cloud3D℠  Services on?

A: Cloud3D℠ Services are currently available to transfer inspection reports to and from companion mobile apps.

• In Office Management, use the job activity to Upload and create mobile inspection to send a report to your Cloud3D℠  account. Just enter your login (you may choose to have 3D remember it for convenience) when prompted.
• In mobile apps, inspectors login to open reports waiting in the "cloud" for you to complete; send them back when finished.
• Back in your regular program use Retrieve Mobile Inspections button to Convert inspection to retrieve the finished report back from the cloud and transform it into a regular inspection on your main computer.

Q: Is there a cost to use Cloud3D℠ ?

A: 3D Inspection Systems currently allows users with a current subscription to use Cloud3D℠  Services at no extra charge.

Cloud3D℠  Services are hosted on Microsoft® servers and 3D incurs a charge for their usage each time files are transferred, so ordinarily we would pass nominal traffic charges onto users who take advantage of these features and options.  Starting in 2011 3D Inspection Systems corporate decided to absorb a significant cost of transfers for current software subscribers each year equivalent to typically average year's worth of inspections* for a main inspector.  We reserve the right to change this at a future time.  Nominal overage fees however do apply to large or multi-inspector firms that exceed the yearly average. This means that simply keeping your software subscription current will allow you cost-free use of various companion Mobile apps and report transfers*.
Read the original press release announcement here
(*up to 500 inspection files per year, typically more than the average single-inspector firm would use.  High-volume firms may purchase additional blocks of 500 cloud inspections as needed, or pay overages with subscription renewals.)
 
In order to use Cloud3D℠  Services, Internet access is required on the devices or computers. You must may obtain Internet access separately from your wireless phone and/or local Internet providers, or you may use your in-office router WiFi or wireless access point to obtain internet access on your devices.  3D Inspection Systems is not responsible for your phone service or Internet access.

Sign-up for Cloud3D℠  Services Now