VizWorld.com

A new press release from Nvidia discusses the use of QuadroPlex GPU Virtualization by Santos, an Australia-based oil and gas company, to bring high-powered GPU capabilities to thin-client workstations.

Santos uses IBM x3650 M3 server utilizing NVIDIA Quadro Plex scalable visualization systems. All 12 servers located at their various offices are powerful enough to serve more than 600 users at a time to provide a high-performance, 3D Linux production environment, which their users can access from any Santos’ office using a standard Windows notebook PC with no 3D capabilities. Rather than have a high-end workstation deal with the 3D rendering and calculations, each server maximizes performance by loadbalancing the four GPUs contained in each NVIDIA Quadro Plex connected to each server to handle hundreds of 3D render requests from multiple users at a single time.

Many people would call this “private clouds”, but it’s actually just classic-old school virtualization technology.  Beefing it up by some new kit from NVidia, I’m impressed to hear they can services 600 users simultaneously.

Get all the details after the break.

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Hardware nvidia, oil&gas, quadroplex, virtualization

Another great milestone in system virtualization comes upon us today, as Parallels Desktop 5.0 is shipping and boasts OpenGL2.1 support.

Per AppleInsider, the developer said that the tests, conducted by Crimson Consulting Group, also found that the new Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac is up to 300% faster for virtual machine operations than its predecessor. In addition, 3Dmark 2006 Professional test scores perform up to 7 times better for 3D and graphics performance.

In addition it has support for Aero (on Vista), multiple monitors, 8 virtual CPU’s, 64-bit Windows and Snow Leopard.  Free trials are available, and the full version is $79.99.

via O’Grady’s PowerPage – Your Mobile Technology Destination » Parallels Desktop 5.0 Released.

Hardware opengl, parallels, software, virtualization