VMware, NVIDIA and Google preview graphics-rich applications on enterprise cloud desktops

VMware, NVIDIA and Google have announced a collaborative effort at VMworld 2014 to deliver high-performance virtual desktops and workstation-class graphics to Google Chromebooks.

Source: NVIDIA. An Acer Chromebook 13 running a cloud-based
desktop and apps using NVIDIA GRID technology.

The solution demonstrates the next generation of VMware Blast Performance and NVIDIA GRID vGPU technology to satisfy customers' most demanding visual computing needs. The joint effort is expected to expand the hardware options for high-performance virtual desktops, enabling customers to select their system of choice without compromise.

"We are breaking down traditional barriers to adopting virtual desktops and offering new economics for the delivery of graphics-intensive applications through the power of the cloud," said Sanjay Poonen, Executive VP and GM, End-User Computing, VMware.

The joint solution optimises the performance of virtual graphics applications at scale. NVIDIA GRID vGPU shares GPU acceleration between multiple virtual desktops. Combined with VMware Horizon in the data centre, the solution will optimise graphics and CPU performance to allow more desktops and applications to be deployed on a single server.

VMware BLAST Performance technology in the data centre and in firmware residing on Chromebooks will deliver a great end-user experience, graphics-rich applications with high fidelity, and extended battery life by up to 50% using NVIDIA Tegra technologies*. This makes graphically demanding applications, such as Adobe Illustrator CC, Autodesk AutoCAD® and productivity applications like Microsoft Office work much more smoothly. NVIDIA Tegra K1-powered Chromebooks will be among the first Chromebooks to take advantage of this future technology.

"This collaboration will offer customers all the performance, stability and compatibility of NVIDIA hardware-accelerated graphics, with the added flexibility, mobility and security of a virtual environment," said Jeff Brown, VP and GM, Professional Solutions Business, NVIDIA.

"Chromebooks were designed to bring a new approach to many of the problems with traditional computers," said Caesar Sengupta, VP of product management, Google. "Imagine manufacturers designing complex 3D models and sharing them with engineers around the globe, or physicians taking medical imaging out into the community, rather than being tethered to high-end workstations."

NVIDIA and VMware customers who would like to experience VMware products with NVIDIA GRID vGPU can register for an early access programme from today at www.nvidia.com/grid-vmware-vgpu. The programme will be available for selected customers in Q4 2014.

*Battery life is estimated based on data collected at NVIDIA.