Dell is looking to take the pain out of workstation virtualisation with the new Dell Precision Appliance for Wyse, which it introduced today at Nvidia’s GTC event in San Jose.
It claims firms can get up and running in just five minutes, once powered on, and only limited virtualisation experience is required.
The appliance features all the software and hardware needed to deploy a CAD-focused virtual workstation solution.
It includes a Dell Precision R7910 rack workstation, Nvidia Quadro or Nvidia GRID GPUs, Teradici PCoIP remote workstation technology and VMware virtualisation software (ESX and VMware Horizon 6.1).
The appliance is currently being certified to run a variety of CAD applications. Siemens NX is the first out of the blocks but Dell is also working closely with PTC, Autodesk, and Dassault Systemes to certify their applications.
Dell says users can expect a similar experience using a CAD application with the Dell Precision Appliance for Wyse virtual workstation solution as on a traditional fixed or mobile workstation.
The system can support up to three users per appliance in dedicated GPU mode (with three Nvidia Quadro K4200s or below) or four to eight users per appliance in shared vGPU mode (with two Nvidia GRID K2s).
Users can connect via a diverse set of endpoints including Dell Wyse dual or quad display thin and zero clients, desktops, laptops, or Dell Precision tower and mobile workstations.
Dell says the appliance can be managed without a dedicated IT staff, or by IT staff with limited virtualisation experience.
While this is sure to appeal SMEs, who often have limited skills in house, Dell told DEVELOP3D that the appliance is also suitable for larger enterprises as the IT backbone for design/engineering departments are often managed independently to the rest of the organisation.
The Dell Precision Appliance for Wyse will be available in the United States and selected countries around the world, starting May 2015. Dell told DEVELOP3D that it is talking with CAD resellers about bringing the appliance to market.
