Though enterprise IT systems are on a direct path to virtualization and the cloud, engineering systems like CAD and PLM haven't hit a similar stride, given the lingering and very real concerns about how rich, graphics-intensive 3D tools would perform in this new environment.
Enter the GPU giant NVIDIA, which has a plan to bring workstation-level graphics capabilities to any screen, even mobile ones. The new cloud-based NVIDIA VGX K2 GPU, built on its previously announced Kepler architecture, fills in some of the pieces needed to achieve the promise of NVIDIA's VGX platform announced in May. That platform, deployed in the datacenter, helps IT departments create a virtualized desktop with all the graphics and GPU computing horsepower of traditional PCs or high-end workstations. Employees then can access this desktop in the field or at home from the connected device of their choice (yes, that means laptops, tablets, smartphones, or thin clients).
The VGX platform is designed to deliver virtualized workstation performance, including 3D graphics, to smartphones, tablets, or PCs. (Source: NVIDIA)
Before NVIDIA VGX, company officials say, common engineering tools like 3D CAD and simulation programs were deemed too graphics-intensive and too demanding to run efficiently and effectively on a virtualized desktop. Some experts likened NVIDIA's approach to that of Citrix, which is well known in IT circles for bringing CPU virtualization capabilities to the desktop, so people can use their device of choice. Similarly, NVIDIA said its VGX platform brings the power of the Kepler GPU to the same lineup of mobile devices.
The VGX K2 GPU, which will be delivered to server OEMs in early 2013, includes two workstation-class GPUs, each with 4GB of graphics memory -- a design choice meant to ensure that graphics-intensive design and content creation tools run with ease. The GPU package also contains patent-pending remote display technology to minimize the lag time in displaying high-resolution graphics that is typically associated with virtual desktop computing.
Jeff Brown, general manager of NVIDIA's professional solutions group, said in a press release:
The VGX platform has been developed to bring rich, interactive graphics to all enterprise virtual desktop users. With VGX K2 in the data center, designers and engineers who create the core intellectual property for their companies can now access their IP from any device and still enjoy workstation-class performance.
It remains to be seen what workstation and server OEMs will actually support the VGX and VGX K2 GPU platforms and what CAD and simulation vendors will optimize their programs to fully exploit these new architectures. Yet it's highly likely that the cloud-based GPU trend will gain traction over time.
Traditional IT departments are moving in droves to virtualize their environments to achieve efficiencies, reduce IT infrastructure costs, and develop a steppingstone to the cloud. It makes sense that engineering applications keep pace with the rest of the enterprise. With more and more engineers embracing smartphones and tablets in their personal and professional lives, why wouldn't they want a high-performance solution for running CAD and the rest of their go-to 3D design tool portfolio on their preferred devices?
It's about time. Although restrictive, terminal PC have been put to good work for over 50 years (if one form or another). It is a practical idea.
I would love for Nvidia to extend that concept for PC gamers and or arts workers. Having to consistently upgrade hardware is costly. Paying for graphics capability like one would for a video streaming service is a solid model. People pay $60 dollars a year to play XBOX games, why wouldn't they do the same to have up to date graphical capabilities?
Bandwidth is the ultimate limitation. Take a Nvidia Geforce 680, it has a bandwidth of 192.2 GB/sec. For a home user, that is impossible. Few businesses, let alone people, have access to Infiniband or OC3072 internet connections. And Fibre optics to the home, at the moment, limits bandwidth... for those who can get it.
When these techs open up for the average user, terminal computing will take over.
It makes sense to see engineering processing to the cloud. The need for processing power keeps growing, plus, there is increasing interest in using mobile devices, espeically among young engineers. So this makes sense.
I just upgraded my Engineering WorkStation. I purchased a laptop online, direct from the manufacturer, and went thru the step-by step HW & SW selections during the order process. Because I run SolidWorks2012 which is a heavy, graphic intensive application, I ordered my new hardware with an i7-Quad Core processor, and an NVIDEA (K2) graphics card – both options make the workstation very pricey as high-end options, running the $2,500 range for the machine. (Looking at the simple laptop, it appears equal to any $500 (i3) processor model, so "looks are deceiving") -- Anyway, back to the point:
When the new workstation arrived, I went to load my SolidWorks CDs and found the DVD/RW port would not open. (What the HECK-?! Was I so focused on the processor that I overlooked the external drives during my order-?!) A quick call to my Application Engineer, and he reminded me that I had opted for the secondary HardDrive which occupies the space of the normal DVD/RW or CD drive. "But don't worry, your SolidWorks application Software can be downloaded and activated using a soft key", he assured.
He went on to explain that the trends are moving faster toward the elimination of external drives in favor of virtual downloads for all apps. Really-!!?
When I started my career in CAD/CAM engineering around 1980, workstations were only big, dumb terminals (with hoods); all computing was done on the CPU Mainframe. 30 years later, now we are returning to a similar architecture, but the local mainframe is the "Cloud". Amazing how trends cycle back around.
For this to really work, the network will become the big issue. It is imperative to have the GPU near the CPU and data. If there is network lag, the experience will still not be good for 3D manipulation. For viewing, perhaps, this would work or an arbitrary network. Considering the advances in networking this may really become feasible.
What will be important, though, is that all vendors support this. If you have some software that runs in the cloud on this type of technology and some that do not, you will still get a video card for your system.
Well if anyone can bring this software to the cloud, NVIDIA is the company to do it. Will be interesting to see the adoption of this platform and hear from engineers about its performance.
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