Cloud workstations put large models next to the compute, let contractors work without shipping hardware, and keep project data off laptops. They are not always cheaper than a workstation under a desk. How Amazon DCV and GPU instances work for Revit, Civil 3D, SolidWorks-class tools, the licensing questions to ask first, and where the cost crosses over.
Engineering firms move workstations to the cloud for three reasons: people work from several offices or home, project files are too large to sync to every laptop, and contractors or new hires need a configured machine on day one. Security is often a fourth: drawings never leave the data centre.
A GPU instance (the G4dn, G5, G6 and G6e families are the usual choices) runs Windows or Linux with your CAD tools.
Amazon DCV streams the display to a native client or browser. It costs nothing extra on EC2; you pay for the instance.
Project files sit next to the workstations in FSx for Windows File Server or FSx for NetApp ONTAP, so opening a model is a local-network operation, not a download.
Instances stop when idle and start on demand, which is where most of the saving comes from.
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Licensing: do your CAD and simulation licences permit use on cloud or virtualized machines, and can the license server be reached from the cloud? Check the vendor terms for each product.
Latency: test with your heaviest model from each office and from home. Distance to the Region matters more than bandwidth.
Peripherals: 3D mice, pen tablets and multiple monitors all work with DCV, but test the ones your team uses.
Data location: CUI or export-controlled projects may need GovCloud, which constrains Region and instance choice.
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As of October 26, 2026. Provided as is, for general information, and accurate to the best of our knowledge on the date shown. Not legal, compliance, tax, financial or other professional advice. Prices, limits and vendor services change; check current vendor documentation before relying on anything here. Terms of use.