Autodesk is now offering a cloud-based version of its simulation software, and that is happy news for those who found the on-premise version to be too much for their wallets. Simulation 360 cost users around $3,200 a year, a fraction of what they would normally pay for simulation software.

Normally, simulation software would cost somewhere between $20,000 and $100,000 per user per year. Users would also have to fork over quite a bit of cash to purchase and maintain the mega-systems required to run the software. Simulation 360’s cloud alternative eliminates many of those concerns, especially the prohibitive cost.

In addition to being less expensive for simulation in general, Simulation 360 also does not require separate software programs for fluid, mechanical, and thermal simulation, as traditional simulation software would. Instead, it is all bundled in one inexpensive cloud package.

According to Autodesk senior director Grant Rochelle, the company does not expect major enterprise customers like defense contractors or aerospace companies to leap into the cloud because of this new offering. Instead, this product will open the doors for smaller customers who would otherwise not be able to afford the simulation software that could help them solve problems and create new innovations.

Autodesk’s Simulation 360 is not the only affordable simulation software on the market. Companies like Simio offer “express” or student versions that are also more affordable. There are also several open source options, such as Elmer.

Autodesk’s simulation software is only one of several new offerings the company has made available through the cloud. Others include rendering, optimization, energy analysis, structural analysis, BIM management, and an infrastructure modeler.