The Short Version
Autodesk Vault is a capable data management tool for Inventor and AutoCAD users, but it’s built on a
client-server architecture that requires a dedicated SQL Server database, a Vault Server, and ongoing IT maintenance. Kenesto delivers the same core PDM functions- file locking, version control, and workflow automation as a fully cloud-hosted service, with no server infrastructure for your team to install, patch, or back up.
How Kenesto Compares to Autodesk Vault
| Kenesto | Autodesk Vault | |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | ✓Cloud-hosted (SaaS) | ✗On-premise or self-managed server (SQL Server + Vault Server required) |
| Setup time | ✓Typically, an hour or two | ✗Typically, days to weeks, requires IT/CAD admin involvement |
| IT overhead | ✓None — no server to provision or maintain | ✗Ongoing: SQL Server licensing, backups, patching, server hardware/VM |
| CAD support | ✓AutoCAD, CATIA, CREO, DraftSight, Inventor, NX, Revit, Rhino, Solid Edge, SolidWorks and others | ∼Deepest with Inventor/AutoCAD; multi-CAD support more limited |
| File locking / check-in-check-out | ✓Yes | ✓Yes |
| Version control & revision history | ✓Yes | ✓Yes |
| Workflow automation & approvals | ✓Yes | ∼Yes (Vault Professional tier only) |
| Remote/distributed team access | ✓Native- built for distributed teams | ∼Requires VPN or Vault Gateway/replication setup for remote sites |
| Backup & disaster recovery | ✓Handled by Kenesto/Amazon Web Services | ✗Customer’s responsibility |
| Pricing model | Named user, $25/user/month | Per-seat license ($73/user/month) + server infrastructure costs |
| Admin skill required | ✓Minimal- no DBA needed | ✗Requires trained CAD/IT admin to manage SQL Server & Vault config |
Why Manufacturers Switch
1
No server to manage. Vault’s biggest hidden cost isn’t the license, it’s the SQL Server instance, the backups, and the IT hours to keep it running. Kenesto removes that layer entirely.
2
Built for distributed teams. Vault’s server-based model was designed for a single site; multi-site or remote work requires additional replication infrastructure. Kenesto is cloud-native from the ground up.
Explore an alternative to Autodesk Vault
See how Kenesto combines PDM, cloud file management, version control, and collaboration in a single platform designed for modern engineering teams.