The NDEVR OWL Server is a secure, high-performance backend system designed to power collaborative 3D workflows, resource management, and encrypted file sharing for the NDEVR platform.
Built in with a focus on speed, modularity, and security, OWL provides the infrastructure for:
Encrypted File Storage: Files are stored using envelope encryption, combining AES for file content with RSA/EC-based access control.
Permission-Based Access: Granular permission models allow controlled sharing, editing, and exporting of 3D resources.
Real-Time Sync: Integrated WebSocket support enables live project updates and low-latency collaboration.
Resource Versioning: Built-in version tracking for all uploaded models and metadata, allowing traceability and rollback.
User Identity & Auth: Deterministic key generation, password hashing, and optional public-key auth support secure login and access delegation.
Deployed as part of the NDEVR OWL ecosystem, the server acts as a trusted broker for all digital assets—supporting engineers, surveyors, designers, and developers in real-time spatial collaboration.
The NDEVR OWL 3D Viewer is a lightweight, web-based visualization tool that lives inside the OWL server. It allows anyone from anywhere to render and interact with complex 3D models directly in the browser—without plugins or installs.
Powered by WebGL and tightly integrated with the OWL Server backend, the viewer enables:
Real-Time Rendering: High-performance WebGL engine supports large models with dynamic lighting, camera control, and spatial transformations.
Measurement & Inspection Tools: Users can measure distances, angles, and surface properties with precision tools ideal for engineering review and quality assurance.
Version-Aware Navigation: Seamlessly switch between model versions, view history, and inspect deltas between file updates.
Secure Streaming: Models are streamed over encrypted WebSocket or HTTPS, optionally using per-user encryption keys for protected access.
Layer & Tree Views: Hierarchical model trees and toggleable layer views help users isolate components and navigate complex assemblies.
Markup & Annotation: Built-in tools for commenting, tagging, and markup support asynchronous review and collaborative feedback loops.
The viewer runs entirely in-browser, supporting desktop and mobile devices, and serves as the foundation for remote design reviews, training, and client deliverables—making 3D data as accessible as a shared document.
| Feature | NDEVR OWL | Autodesk Viewer / Forge | Trimble Connect / SketchUp | Unity Reflect / Pixyz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting Control |
Self-hosted or NDEVR cloud |
Fully cloud-managed by Autodesk | Cloud-managed only | Hybrid (cloud + local sync) |
| Security Model |
File-level encryption user-specific keys |
OAuth 2.0 + standard auth | User-based permission only | Project-based access |
| Data Ownership |
Full ownership local or user infrastructure |
Hosted on Autodesk servers | Hosted on Trimble servers | Mostly cloud-managed |
| Backend / API |
Full backend extensibility in C++/SQL |
REST APIs; limited customization | Minimal customization | Unity SDK and scripting |
| 3D Format Support |
Hundreds of options. | Strong CAD support (DWG, STEP) | Trimble, SKP | Advanced CAD conversion |
| Collaboration Features |
Comments, Markup, versioning | Comment threads, markup tools | Annotations, access roles | VR previews, Unity scene sharing |
| Offline/Edge Support |
Yes | No | No | Partial (Unity runtime) |
| Performance | Streamed, compressed and encrypted |
Progressive LOD, cloud tiling | Limited optimization | High with custom pipelines |
| License / Cost |
Per-server, no per-user fees | Pay-per-usage API pricing | Per-seat licensing | Per-seat + runtime royalties |
Password-derived EC keypairs give each user a portable cryptographic identity—no need for third-party auth providers
| Strength | OWL’s Position |
|---|---|
| Security-first environments | Strong fit: per-user encryption, local hosting |
| Custom or regulated workflows | Strong fit: total backend control |
| Embedded viewers for internal tools | Strong fit: minimal dependency, API-friendly |
| General-purpose CAD viewers | High: supports many common formats, including DXF, DWG, OBJ |
| Mass-market SaaS or full design suites | Weak fit: OWL is infrastructure, not design software |
